>••'-{ 

".:  I 


m. 


Jfl 


-Ay 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 

GIFT  OF 

Peter  Scott 


NAPOLEON   IN  GERMANY 


NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 


Qtn  historical  Xoncl 


BY 
L.   MUHLBACH 

AUTHOR  OF  DAUGHTER    OF   AN   EMPRESS,    MARIE   ANTOINETTE,  JOSEPH  H.    AND  HIS 
FREDERICK   THE   GREAT   AND    HIS   FAMILY,    BERLIN    AND   SANS-SOUC1,    ETC. 


TRANSLATED   FROM   THE   GERMAN   BY 

F.  JORDAN 


FUNK  &  WAGNALLS  COMPANY 

NEW  YORK  AND  LONDON 

1907 


COPYRIGHT,  1867,  1893, 
BY  D.  APPLETON  AND  COfCPANT 


CONTENTS. 


XAPOLEON   AT   DRESDEN. 

CHAPTER 

I.  Frederick  "William  and  Hardenberg, 

II.  The  White  Lady, 

III.  Napoleon  and  the  White  Lady,  . 

IV.  Napoleon  at  Dresden,       .... 
V.  Napoleon's  High-born  Ancestors, 

VI.     Napoleon's  Departure  from  Dresden, 


THE   LAST  DAYS   OF  1812. 

VII.  The  Conspirators  of  Helgoland, 67 

VIII.  The  European  Conspiracy, 74 

IX.  Gebhard  Leberecht  Blucher, 84 

X.  Recollections  of  Mecklenburg,         .....  94 

XI.  Glad  Tidings, 105 

XII.  The  Oath,                                                                              .  116 


CHANCELLOR  VON  HARDENBERG. 

XIII.  The  Interrupted  Supper, 125 

XIV.  The  Defection  of  General  York, 132 

XV.  The  Warning 141 

XVI.  The  Diplomatist 147 

XVII.  The  Clairvoyante, 160 

XVIII.  An  Adventuress 166 

XIX.  The  Two  Diplomatists,          .         .        .        .        .        .183 

XX.  The  Attack, 195 

XXI.  The  Courier's  Return.  206 


2227641 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


THE  VOLUNTEERS. 

IIAPTKR  PAGL 

XXII.     The  Manifesto 214 

XXIII.  Leonora  Prohaska 222 

XXIV.  Joan  of  Orleans, 229 

XXV.  The  National  Representatives,  .....  242 

WAR  AND  AN  ARMISTICE. 

XXVI.     Theodore  Korner 257 

XXVII.     The  Heroic  Tailor, 267 

XXVIII.  The  General-in-Chief  of  the  Silesian  Army,          .      275 

XXIX.  The  Ball  at  the  City  Hall  of  Breslau,        .        .        .282 

XXX.     The  Appointment 293 

XXXI.     After  the  Battle  of  Bautzen, 300 

XXXII.     Bad  News, 308 

XXXIII.  The  Traitors 318 

XXXIV.  Napoleon  and  Metternich, 324 

DELIVERANCE   OF   GERMANY. 

XXXV.     On  the  Katzbach, .  333 

XXXVI.     Blucher  as  a  Writer, 339 

XXXVII.     The  Revolt  of  the  Generals, 345 

XXXVIII.     The  Battle  of  Leipsic 354 

XXXIX.    The  Nineteenth  of  October, 364 

HANNIBAL  ANTE   PORTAS. 

XL.    Blucher 's  Birthday, 382 

XLI.     Passage  of  the  Rhine 389 

XLII.  Napoleon's  New-Year's-Day,         .                                399 

XLIII.  The  King  of  Rome,    ....                         .  408 

XLIV.     Josephine,       .    ' 417 

XLV.  Talleyrand,         ....                                  ,  423 

XL VI.     Madame  Letitia 434 


CONTENTS. 


FALL  OF  PARIS. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XL VII.     The  Battle  of  La  Rothiere, 447 

XLVIII.     The  Diseased  Eyes, .455 

XLIX.     On  to  Paris! 469 

L.     Departure  of  Maria  Louisa, 476 

LI.     The  Capitulation  of  Paris, 482 

LII.     Night  and  Morning  near  Paris, 487 

LIII.     Napoleon  at  Fontainebleau, 493 

LIV.    A  Soul  in  Purgatory, 499 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PJLCISO 
PAGB 

Portrait  of  Napoleon Frontispiece 

The  White  Lady  appears  to  Napoleon 83 

Von  Hardenburg  and  the  Adventuress 160 

Portrait  of  Field-Marshal  Blucher 897 

"Marshal  Forward"  leading  the  Hussars MS 


NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHEB. 


NAPOLEON  AT  DKESDEK 


CHAPTER    I. 

FEEDERICK   WILLIAM   AND   HAEDENBEEG. 

IT  was  a  fine,  warm  day  in  May,  1812.  The  world  was 
groaning  under  the  yoke  of  Napoleon's  tyranny.  As  a  con- 
solation for  the  hopeless  year,  came  the  laughing  spring. 
Fields,  forests,  and  meadows,  were  clad  in  beautiful  verdure; 
flowers  were  blooming,  and  birds  were  singing  everywhere — 
even  at  Charlottenburg,  which  King  Frederick  William 
formerly  delighted  to  call  his  "pleasure  palace,"  but  which 
now  was  his  house  of  mourning.  At  Charlottenburg,  Fred- 
erick William  had  spent  many  and  happy  spring  days  with 
Queen  Louisa;  and  when  she  was  with  him  at  this  country- 
seat,  it  was  indeed  a  pleasure  palace. 

The  noble  and  beautiful  queen  was  also  now  at  Charlotten- 
burg, but  the  king  only  felt  her  presence — he  beheld  her  no 
more.  Her  merry  remarks  and  charming  laughter  had  ceased, 
as  also  her  sighs  and  suffering;  her  radiant  eyes  had  closed 
forever,  and  her  sweet  lips  spoke  no  more.  She  was  still  at 
Charlottenburg,  but  only  as  a  corpse.  The  king  had  her 
mausoleum  erected  in  the  middle  of  the  garden.  Here  lay 
her  coffin,  and  room  had  been  left  for  another,  as  Frederick 
William  intended  to  repose  one  day  at  the  side  of  his  Louisa. 

From  the  time  that  the  queen's  remains  had  been  deposited 
there — from  that  day  of  anguish  and  tears — the  king  called 
Charlottenburg  no  longer  his  "pleasure  palace."  It  was 
henceforth  a  tomb,  where  his  happiness  and  love  were  buried. 
Still,  he  liked  to  remain  there,  for  it  seemed  to  him  as  though 
he  felt  the  presence  of  the  spirit  of  his  blessed  queen,  and 


2  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

understood  better  what  she  whispered  to  his  soul  in  the  silent 
nights  when  she  consoled  him,  and  spoke  of  heaven  and  a  re- 
newed love.  The  bereaved  husband,  however,  did  not  prefer 
to  dwell  in  the  magnificent  abode  of  his  ancestors,  where  he 
had  formerly  passed  in  spring  so  many  happy  days  with  his 
beloved  Louisa.  He  had,  therefore,  a  small  house  near  the 
palace ;  it  was  into  this  plain  and  humble  structure  that  he 
had  retired  with  his  grief-stricken  heart.  Here,  in  his  soli- 
tude, he  had  already  passed  two  springs. 

The  second  year  had  nearly  elapsed  since  the  queen's  death, 
and  Frederick  William's  heart  was  still  overburdened  with 
sorrow,  but  yet  he  had  learned  what  time  teaches  all  mortals 
— he  had  learned  to  be  resigned.  Yes,  resignation  in  these 
melancholy  days  was  the  only  thing  that  remained  to  the  un- 
fortunate King  of  Prussia.  It  was  a  sad  and  difficult  duty, 
for  he  had  lost  happiness,  love,  greatness,  and  even  his  royal 
independence.  It  is  true,  he  was  still  called  King  of  Prussia, 
but  he  was  powerless.  He  had  to  bow  to  the  despotic  will  of 
Napoleon,  and  scarcely  a  shadow  of  his  former  greatness  had 
been  left  him.  The  days  of  Tilsit  had  not  yet  brought  dis- 
grace and  humiliation  enough  upon  him.  The  Emperor  of 
the  French  had  added  fresh  exactions,  and  his  arrogance  be- 
came daily  more  reckless  and  intolerable.  In  the  face  of  such 
demands  it  only  remained  for  Frederick  William  to  submit  or 
resist.  He  looked  mournfully  at  his  unhappy  country;  at 
those  whom  the  last  war  had  deprived  of  their  husbands  and 
fathers;  at  his  small  army;  at  the  scanty  means  at  his  dis- 
posal, compared  with  the  resources  of  Napoleon,  and — the 
king  submitted. 

He  had  indeed  hesitated  long,  and  struggled  strongly  with 
his  own  feelings.  For,  by  submitting  to  Napoleon's  behests, 
he  was  to  become  the  open  enemy  of  the  Emperor  Alexander, 
and  the  King  of  Prussia  was,  jointly  with  the  Emperor  of  the 
French,  to  arm  against  the  Emperor  of  Eussia.  It  was  a 
terrible  necessity  for  Frederick  William  to  sacrifice  his  friend 
to  his  enemy,  and  at  the  very  moment  when  Alexander  had 
offered  his  hand  for  a  new  league,  and  proposed  to  conclude 
an  offensive  and  defensive  alliance  with  Prussia  and  England. 

But  such  an  alliance  with  distant  Russia  could  not  strengthen 
Prussia  against  neighboring  France,  whose  armies  were  en- 
camped near  her  frontiers.  The  danger  of  being  crushed  by 
Napoleon  was  much  more  probable  than  the  hope  of  being 
supported  by  Eussia.  Eussia  had  enough  to  do  to  take  care 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM  AND  HARDENBERG.  '6 

of  herself.  She  was  unable  to  prevent  France  from  destroying 
Prussia,  if  Napoleon  desired,  and  the  crown  might  fall  from 
the  head  of  Frederick  William  long  before  a  Russian  army  of 
succor  could  cross  the  Prussian  frontier.  He  submitted  there- 
fore, and  accepted  with  one  hand  the  alliance  of  France,  while 
threatening  her  with  the  other. 

On  the  24th  of  February,  1812,  the  Prussian  king  signed 
this  new  treaty.  As  was  stipulated  by  the  first  article,  he 
entered  into  a  defensive  alliance  with  France  against  any 
European  power  with  which  either  France  or  Prussia  should 
hereafter  be  at  war.  Napoleon,  the  man  who  had  broken 
Queen  Louisa's  heart,  was  now  the  friend  and  ally  of  King 
Frederick  William,  and  the  enemies  of  France  were  hence- 
forth to  be  the  enemies  of  Prussia ! 

It  was  this  that  the  king  thought  of  to-day,  when,  in  the 
early  part  of  May,  he  was  alone,  and  absorbed  in  his  reflec- 
tions, at  his  small  .house  in  Charlottenburg.  It  was  yet  early, 
for  he  had  risen  before  sunrise,  and  had  been  at  work  a  long 
time,  when  he  ceased  for  a  moment  and  yielded  to  his  medita- 
tions. Leaning  back  in  his  easy  chair,  he  gazed  musingly 
through  the  open  glass-doors,  now  on  serene  sky,  and  again  on 
the  fragrant  verdure  of  his  garden. 

But  this  quiet  relaxation  was  not  to  last  long;  the  door  of 
the  small  anteroom  opened,  and  the  footman  announced  that 
his  excellency  Minister  and  Chancellor  von  Hardenberg  re- 
quested to  see  his  majesty. 

"Let  him  come  in,"  said  the  king,  as  he  rose,  turning  his 
grave  eyes,  which  had  become  even  gloomier  than  before, 
toward  the  door,  on  the  threshold  of  which  the  elegant  and 
somewhat  corpulent  form  of  the  chancellor  of  state  appeared. 
He  bowed  respectfully.  His  noble  and  prepossessing  counte- 
nance was  smiling  and  genial  as  usual;  the  king's,  grave, 
thoughtful,  and  sad. 

"Bad  news,  I  suppose?"  asked  the  king,  briefly.  "You 
come  at  so  early  an  hour,  something  extraordinary  must  have 
happened.  What  is  it?" 

"Nothing  of  that  kind,  your  majesty,"  said  Hardenberg, 
with  his  imperturbable  smile.  "  Yet,  it  is  true,  we  are  con- 
stantly in  an  extraordinary  situation,  so  that  what  otherwise 
might  appear  unusual  is  now  nothing  but  a  very  ordinary 
occurrence." 

"A  preamble!"  said  Frederick  William,  thoughtfully. 
"You  have,  then,  to  tell  me  something  important.  What  is 


4:  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

it?  Take  a  seat  and  speak!"  The  king  pointed  to  a  chair, 
and  resumed  his  own.  Hardenberg  seated  himself,  and  looked 
down  for  a  moment  with  an  air  of  embarrassment. 

"Any  thing  the  matter  in  Berlin?"  asked  the  king.  "Per- 
haps, a  quarrel  between  the  citizens  and  the  French?" 

"No,  your  majesty,"  said  Hardenberg,  to  whose  thin  lips 
came  his  wonted  smile.  "  The  people  of  Berlin  keep  very 
quiet,  and  bear  the  arrogance  of  the  French  with  admirable 
patience.  I  have  to  report  no  quarrels,  and,  on  the  whole, 
nothing  of  importance ;  I  wished  only  to  inf om  your  majesty 
that  I  received  a  courier  from  Dresden  late  last  night." 

The  king  started,  and  looked  gloomy.  "From  whom?"  he 
asked,  in  a  hollow  voice. 

"From  our  ambassador,"  replied  Hardenberg,  carelessly. 
"  Suprising  intelligence  has  reached  Dresden.  They  are  ex- 
pecting the  Emperor  Napoleon.  He  left  Saint  Cloud  with 
the  Empress  Maria  Louisa  on  the  9th  of  May,  and  no  one 
knew  any  thing  about  the  object  or  destination  of  the  jour- 
ney. It  was  generally  believed  that  the  emperor,  with  his 
consort,  intended  to  take  a  pleasure-trip  to  Mentz,  but  im- 
mediately after  his  arrival  there  he  informed  his  suite  that  he 
was  on  his  way  to  a  new  war,  and  would  accompany  his  wife 
only  as  far  as  Dresden,  where  they  would  meet  their  Austrian 
majesties.  Couriers  were  sent  from  Mentz  to  Vienna,  to 
Dresden,  to  King  Jerome,  and  to  all  the  marshals  and  gen- 
erals. The  columns  of  the  army  have  commenced  moving 
everywhere,  and  are  now  marching  from  all  sides  upon  Dres- 
den. As  usual,  Napoleon  has  again  succeeded  in  keeping  his 
plans  secret  to  the  very  last  moment,  and  informing  the  world 
of  his  intentions  only  when  they  are  about  to  be  realized." 

"  Yes,"  exclaimed  the  king,  in  a  tone  of  intense  hatred  and 
anger — "yes,  he  wears  a  kind,  hypocritical  mask,  and  feigns 
friendship  and  pacific  intentions  until  he  has  drawn  into  his 
nets  those  whom  he  intends  to  ruin ;  then  he  drops  his  mask 
and  shows  his  true  arrogant  and  ambitious  face.  He  caressed 
us,  and  protested  his  friendship,  until  we  signed  the  treaty  of 
alliance,  but  now  he  will  insist  on  the  fulfilment  of  the  en- 
gagements we  have  entered  into.  He  commences  a  new  war, 
and,  by  virtue  of  the  first  article  of  our  treaty,  I  have  to  fur- 
nish him  an  auxiliary  corps  of  twenty  thousand  men  and  sixty 
field-pieces." 

"  Yes,  your  majesty,  it  is  so,"  said  Hardenberg,  composedly. 
"  The  new  French  governor  of  Berlin,  General  Durutte,  came 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM  AND  HARDENBERG.  5 

to  see  me  this  morning,  and  demanded  in  the  name  of  his 
emperor  that  the  Prussian  auxiliary  troops  should  immediately 
take  the  field." 

"Auxiliary  troops!"  exclaimed  the  king,  angrily.  "The 
Prussian  victims,  he  ought  to  have  said,  for  what  else  will  my 
poor,  unfortunate  soliders  be  but  the  doomed  victims  of  his 
ambition  and  insatiable  thirst  for  conquest?  He  will  drive 
them  into  the  jaws  of  death,  that  they  may  gain  a  piece  of 
blood-stained  land,  or  a  new  title  from  the  ruin  of  the  world's 
happiness ;  he  does  not  care  whether  brave  soldiers  die  or  not, 
so  long  as  his  own  ambition  is  served." 

"  Yes,"  said  Hardenberg,  solemnly,  "his  path  leads  across 
corpses  and  through  rivers  of  blood,  but  the  vengeance  of  God 
and  man  will  finally  overtake  him,  and  who  knows  whether  it 
may  not  do  so  during  this  wild  Kussian  campaign?" 

"My  evil  forebodings,  then,  are  proving  true,"  said  the 
king,  sighing;  "the  expedition  is  directed  against  Eussia?" 

"Yes,  against  Eussia,"  said  Hardenberg,  sneeringly;  "the 
master  of  the  world  intends  to  crush  Eussia  also,  because  she 
ventured  to  remain  an  independent  power,  and  the  Emperor 
Alexander  was  so  bold  as  to  demand  the  fulfilment  of  the 
promises  of  Tilsit  and  Erfurt.  Providence  is  always  just  in 
the  final  result,  your  majesty.  It  punishes  the  Emperor 
Alexander  for  suffering  himself  to  be  beguiled  by  the  flatteries 
and  promises  of  Napoleon,  and  the  territories  which  he  allowed 
Napoleon  to  give  him  at  Tilsit,  at  the  expense  of  Prussia,  will 
be  no  precious  stones  in  his  crown." 

"Not  a  word  against  Alexander!"  exclaimed  the  king,  im- 
periously. "  However  appearances  may  be  against  him,  he 
has  always  proved  a  true  friend  of  mine,  and  perhaps  especially 
at  a  time  when  we  suspected  it  the  least.  His  keen  eyes  pene- 
trated the  future,  and  behind  the  clouds  darkening  our 
horizon  he  believed  he  could  descry  light  and  safety.  He 
yielded,  in  order  to  lull  Napoleon  to  sleep ;  he  pretended  to 
be  fascinated,  in  order  to  convince  him  of  his  attachment  and 
devotedness.  He  wished  to  be  regarded  as  Napoleon's  friend 
until  he  had  armed  himself,  and  felt  strong  enough  to  turn 
against  the  usurper.  Hush !  do  not  contradict  me.  I  have 
heard  all  this  from  Alexander's  own  lips.  On  his  return 
from  Erfurt  he  confided  the  plans  of  his  future  to  me  and  the 
queen,  under  the  seal  of  secrecy.  Louisa  carried  the  secret  into 
her  grave,  and  I  have  preserved  it  in  my  breast.  Now  I  may 
communicate  it  to  you,  for  the  hour  of  decision  has  come; 


6  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

it  finds  me  on  the  side  of  France,  and  God  has  decreed  that  I 
should  turn  my  arms  against  my  friend,  against  Alexander! 
Ah,  happy  the  queen,  because  she  did  not  live  to  see  this  day 
and  witness  my  new  humiliation  and  disgrace!  And  was  it, 
then,  unavoidable?  Was  it,  then,  really  necessary  for  me  to 
enter  into  this  hateful  alliance?  Was  there  no  way  of  avoid- 
ing it?" 

And  as  the  king  put  this  question  to  himself  rather  than 
to  Hardenberg,  he  laid  his  head  against  the  back  of  his  easy- 
chair,  and  looked  gloomy  and  thoughtful. 

"There  was  no  way,  unfortunately,  of  avoiding  it,"  said 
Hardenberg,  after  a  short  pause.  "  Your  majesty  knows  full 
well  that  we  submitted  to  stern  necessity  only ;  to  act  other- 
wise would  have  been  too  dangerous,  for  the  crown  on  the 
head  of  your  majesty  would  have  been  menaced." 

"  It  is  better  to  lose  the  crown  and  die  a  freeman  than  live 
a  crowned  slave!"  exclaimed  the  king,  impetuously. 

"No,  pardon  me,  your  majesty,  for  daring  to  contradict 
you,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling;  "it  is  better  to  keep  the 
crown,  and  submit  to  necessity  as  long  as  possible,  in  order  to 
be  able  to  take  future  revenge  on  the  oppressor.  At  times  I 
am  likewise  tortured  by  the  doubts  and  fears  now  disquieting 
the  noble  soul  of  your  majesty.  But  at  such  hours  I  always 
repeat  to  myself,  in  order  to  justify  our  course,  a  few  words 
from  the  letter  which  the  Duke  de  Bassano  addressed  to  our 
ambassador,  Baron  von  Krusemark,  as  the  ultimatum  of  the 
Tuileries.  I  have  learned  this  letter  by  heart,  and,  if  you 
will  graciously  permit  me,  I  will  repeat  a  few  words."  The 
king  nodded  assent,  and  Hardenberg  added:  "This  letter 
read:  'My  dear  baron,  the  moment  has  come  when  we  must 
give  you  our  views  about  the  fate  of  Prussia.  I  cannot  con- 
ceal from  you  that  this  is  a  matter  of  life  and  death  for 
your  country.  You  know  that  the  emperor  entertained  al- 
ready at  Tilsit  very  unfriendy  intentions  against  Prussia. 
These  intentions  still  remain  the  same,  but  will  not  be  carried 
out  at  this  time,  on  the  condition  that  Prussia  become  our 
ally,  and  a  faithful  one.  The  moments  are  precious,  and  the 
circumstances  very  grave.'  "  * 

"  An  outrageous  letter !"  muttered  Frederick  Willliam  to 
himself. 

"  Yes,  an  outrageous  letter,"  repeated  Hardenberg,  bowing, 
"  for  it  contained  a  serious  threat,  and  yet,  on  the  other  hand, 

*"M6moires  d'un  Homme  d'fitat,"  vol.  xi. ,  p.  384 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM  AND  HARDENBERG.  7 

it  offered  us  a  sort  of  guaranty.  Prussia  was  lost,  in  case  she 
refused  to  join  the  alliance,  for  Austria  had  likewise  acceded 
to  it,  and,  by  holding  out  against  the  wishes  of  France,  Prussia 
would  have  run  the  risk  of  being  crushed  by  two  armed  ene- 
mies in  the  north,  as  well  as  in  the  south,  and  blotted  out 
from  the  list  of  nations.  We,  therefore,  were  obliged  to  sub- 
mit; we  had  no  other  choice." 

"But  what  did  we  gain  by  submitting?"  asked  the  king, 
angrily.  "  In  order  to  preserve  my  people  from  the  horrors  of 
war,  I  bowed  to  Napoleon's  will,  and  accepted  the  disgraceful 
alliance.  I  thereby  wished  to  secure  peace  to  my  unfortunate 
country,  which  stands  so  greatly  in  need  of  it.  Instead  of 
attaining  this  object,  the  alliance  plunges  us  into  the  very 
abyss  which  I  intended  to  avoid,  and  I  am  compelled  to  send 
my  soldiers  into  the  field  for  an  unjust  cause  against  a  mon- 
arch who  is  my  friend,  and  under  the  orders  of  a  commander- 
in-chief  who  is  my  enemy,  and  has  always  shown  his  bitter 
hostility  to  me." 

"  But  your  majesty  has  at  least  prevented  your  own  country 
from  being  devastated  by  war.  It  is  true,  you  send  out  your 
army,  but  the  war  will  not  lay  waste  the  fields  of  Prussia;  it 
will  not  trample  in  the  dust  the  crops  of  the  Prussian  farmer, 
interrupt  the  labors  of  the  mechanic,  or  carry  its  terror  into 
our  cities  and  villages,  our  houses  and  families.  The  enemy 
is  at  least  far  from  our  own  country." 

"  You  only  wish  to  palliate  the  calamity,"  exclaimed  the 
king.  "  The  enemy  is  here,  and  you  know  it.  He  is  dog- 
ging every  step  of  ours;  he  is  listening  to  every  word  of  mine, 
and  watching  every  movement.  An  inconsiderate  word,  an 
imprudent  step,  and  the  French  gendarmes  will  rush  upon  me 
and  conduct  the  King  of  Prussia  as  a  prisoner  to  France, 
while  no  one  can  raise  his  hand  to  prevent  them.  We  have 
the  enemy  in  Berlin,  in  Spandau ,  and  in  all  our  fortresses. 
Our  own  soldiers  we  have  to  send  into  the  field,  and  our  cities 
and  fortresses  are  occupied  by  French  garrisons.  An  army 
of  four  hundred  and  eighty  thousand  infantry  and  seventy 
thousand  cavalry  cover  Prussia  like  a  cloud  of  locusts ;  Ber- 
lin, Spandau,  Konigsberg,  and  Pillau,  have  received  French 
garrisons;  only  Upper  Silesia,  Colberg,  and  Graudenz,  have 
remained  exempt  from  them.  The  whole  country,  as  though 
we  were  at  war,  is  exposed  to  the  robberies,  extortions,  and 
cruelties  in  which  an  enemy  indulges:  this  time,  however,  he 
Qomes  in  the  garb  of  a  friend ,  and,  as  our  ally,  he  i§  irritating 


8  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

and  impoverishing  the  farmers,  and  plundering  the  mechanics 
and  manufacturers.  And  I  am  not  only  obliged  to  suffer  all 
this  in  silence,  but  I  must  send  my  own  soldiers,  the  natural 
defenders  of  our  states,  into  a  foreign  country,  and  command 
them  to  obey  the  man  who  has  heaped  the  vilest  insults  not 
only  on  myself,  but  on  the  whole  of  Prussia,  and  has  broken 
the  heart  of  my  beloved  wife!"  And  the  king,  quite  ex- 
hausted, breathless  with  his  unusually  long  speech,  and  almost 
ashamed  of  his  own  tremulous  excitement,  buried  his  face  in 
his  hands  and  groaned  aloud. 

Hardenberg  gazed  upon  him  for  a  moment  with  an  expression 
of  profound  sympathy;  he  then  looked  around  the  room  with 
searching  glances,  which  seemed  to  pierce  every  niche,  every 
fold  of  the  curtains,  and  every  piece  of  furniture  and  sculpture. 
"  Is  your  majesty  sure  that  no  one  can  hear  and  watch  us 
here?"  he  asked  in  a  low  voice. 

The  king  dropped  his  hands  from  his  face,  and  looked  at 
him  in  surprise. 

"  Your  majesty,  you  yourself  say  that  you  are  surrounded 
by  spies,  and  eavesdroppers,"  added  Hardenberg.  "  Does  your 
majesty  suspect  any  such  to  be  here?" 

"No,"  said  the  king,  with  a  mournful  smile,  " it  is  the  last 
blessing  of  my  Louisa  that  she  has  secured  me  this  quiet 
asylum.  The  spies  do  not  venture  to  penetrate  here — this 
retreat  is  not  desecrated  by  their  inquisitive  and  lurking 
glances." 

"Well,"  said  Hardenberg,  almost  joyously,  "if  we  need  not 
be  afraid  of  the  eyes  and  ears  of  spies,  your  majesty  will  per- 
mit me  to  speak  freely  to  you.  My  king,  great  events  are 
maturing;  while  impenetrable  darkness  still  seems  to  sur- 
round us,  morning  is  gradually  dawning,  and  the  day  of 
retribution  is  not  distant.  Europe  is  utterly  tired  of  war, 
and  this  incessant  bloodshed ;  she  has  practised  forbearance 
until  it  is  exhausted  and  converted  into  an  intense  indigna- 
tion. Thanks  to  his  unscrupulous  machinations,  Napoleon 
has  hitherto  succeeded  in  bringing  about  wars  between  the 
different  nations  of  Europe  in  order  to  derive  benefits  for 
France  alone  from  these  fratricidal  struggles.  It  was  he  who 
drove  the  Poles  and  Turks  into  a  war  against  the  Kussians, 
the  Italians  against  the  Austrians,  the  Danes  against  the 
Swedes  and  English,  and  armed  the  princes  of  the  Rhenish 
Confederation  against  their  German  countrymen  and  brethren. 
He  instigated  all  against  each  other;  he  made  them  continue 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM   AND  HARDENBERG.  9 

the  struggle  until  they  sank  from  loss  of  blood,  for  he  knew 
that  he  would  then  be  able  to  take  the  property  of  those 
whom  he  had  made  murder  each  other.  And  who  could  pre- 
vent him?  The  warriors,  exhausted  by  their  long  and 
bloody  work — the  starving  people,  to  whom,  in  their  hunger 
and  anguish,  only  he  who  brought  them  peace  and  a  little 
bread  seemed  a  true  friend !  Italy  wished  to  deliver  herself 
from  the  Austrian  yoke,  and  after  long  struggles  the  liberty 
that  Napoleon  had  promised  her  consisted  but  in  entire  sub- 
mission to  his  own  behests.  To  Poland,  too,  he  promised  de- 
liverance, and,  after  the  unfortunate  country  had  risen,  and 
spent  her  last  strength  and  her  best  blood  in  the  war  against 
Russia,  she  became  exhausted,  and  offered  no  resistance  when 
he  claimed  her  as  his  spoil,  and  declared  the  Poles,  who  had 
dreamed  that  they  were  free,  to  be  subjects  of  France.  The 
princes  of  the  Rhenish  Confederation  were  compelled  to  send 
their  German  troops  to  Spain,  to  wage  war  against  a  nation 
that  was  struggling  for  independence;  and  Napoleon  in  the 
meantime  placed  a  French  adventurer  upon  a  throne  in  the 
middle  of  Germany,  and  erected  a  kingdom  for  him  from  the 
spoils  he  had  taken  from  German  princes.  Holland,  which 
had  endeavored  to  preserve  some  vestiges  of  liberty,  was  sud- 
denly deprived  of  her  sovereign,  and  converted  into  a  French 
province ;  and  when  Napoleon  had  succeeded  in  bringing  about 
a  war  between  Sweden  and  Russia,  and  instigating  unfortu- 
nate Finland  to  resist  the  latter  power,  he  profited  by  the 
favorable  moment,  and  took  Stralsund  and  the  Island  of 
Riigen,  both  of  which  belonged  to  the  King  of  Sweden,  who 
had  been  his  ally  up  to  that  time.  In  Italy  only  the  Pon- 
tifical states  and  the  holy  father  at  Rome  still  resisted  him, 
after  the  remainder  of  the  peninsula  had  awakened  from  its 
dreams  of  liberty  under  the  rule  of  French  marshals  and  Na- 
poleonic princes.  He  instigated  Naples  and  Sardinia  against 
Rome,  and  when  the  struggle  had  commenced,  he  magnani- 
mously hastened  to  the  assistance  of  his  brother-in-law  Murat, 
arrested  the  pope,  conveyed  him  as  a  prisoner  to  France,  and 
declared  Rome  to  be  the  property  of  that  country  until  the 
pope  should  submit  to  his  will.  No  country,  no  nation,  es- 
caped his  intrigues — conflagrations,  devastation,  and  death 
accompanied  him  everywhere!  But  the  nations,  as  I  have 
stated  already,  are  at  length  impatient;  they  are  wearied  of 
fighting;  or,  ruther,  if  they  still  fight,  they  intend  to  do  so 
only  in  order  to  conquer  peace  for  themselves,  and  bring 


10  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

retribution  on  him  who  was  the  sole  cause  of  all  this  blood- 
shed." 

"  And  they  commenced  by  rushing,  at  his  command,  into  the 
field — by  entering  upon  another  war!"  exclaimed  Frederick 
William,  shrugging  his  shoulders  with  a  sneer. 

"  Your  majesty,"  said  Hardenberg,  solemnly,  "they  will  do 
so  now  for  the  last  time.  Napoleon  is  digging  his  own  grave, 
and,  by  consolidating  the  forces  of  all  countries  into  one  vast 
army,  he  makes  friends  of  those  whom  he  hitherto  successfully 
tried  to  make  enemies  and  adversaries  of  each  other.  But 
when  the  nations  have  once  found  out  that  they  are  really 
brethren,  it  only  needs  a  voice  calling  upon  them  to  unite  for 
one  grand  object — that  is  to  say,  for  the  deliverance  of  Europe 
from  the  tyrant's  yoke!" 

"Those  are  Utopian  dreams,"  said  the  king.  "Whence 
should  this  voice  come?  Who  would  be  so  audacious  as  to 
utter  it?" 

"Whence  should  this  voice  come?"  asked  Hardenberg. 
"  Your  majesty,  it  will  come  from  heaven,  and  find  an  echo 
on  the  whole  earth.  It  will  resound  from  the  hundred  thou- 
sand graves  of  the  soldiers  killed  in  battle ;  from  the  breasts  of 
sorrowing  widows  and  orphans,  and,  like  the  noise  of  the 
tempest,  it  will  come  from  the  lips  of  thousands  of  humiliated 
and  disgraced  men.  This  voice  will  not  be  that  of  a  single 
man;  but  God,  Nature,  and  all  nations,  will  unite,  and  mil- 
lions will  utter  that  one  shout  of  'Liberty!  Let  us  rise  and 
expel  the  tyrant!' ' 

"But,  then,  the  story  of  the  tower  of  Babel  will  be  re- 
enacted,"  said  Frederick  William,  sighing;  "the  nations  will 
not  understand  each  other ;  an  endless  confusion  of  languages 
will  ensue,  and,  finally,  the  building,  which  they  intended 
jointly  to  erect,  will  fall  to  ruins  and  they  be  dispersed." 

"  In  order  to  prevent  this,  a  chieftain  must  gladly  place  him- 
self at  their  head,  and  direct  their  will,"  exclaimed  Harden- 
berg. "I  hope  God  will  intrust  this  leadership  to  your 
majesty/' 

"To  me?"  asked  the  king,  almost  angrily.  "Will  you 
take  the  liberty  of  mocking  my  distress,  or  do  you  believe  that 
I  ought  to  be  consoled  in  the  calamities  of  the  present  by  such 
hopes  of  the  future?" 

"No,  your  majesty,  I  am  only  convinced  that  God  will  one 
day  intrust  the  task  of  retribution  to  Prussia,  because  it  is  she. 
that  has  suffered  most." 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM  AND  HARDENBERG.  11 

"  Let  us  leave  retribution  to  God,"  said  the  king,  gently. 

"No,  your  majesty,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  "let  us  now 
take  upon  ourselves  the  task  of  avenging  our  wrongs,  and  only 
pray  to  Heaven  for  a  blessing  on  our  efforts.  And  that  God 
is  with  us,  that  He  at  last  averts  His  face  from  the  man  who 
has  so  long  trampled  the  world  under  foot,  is  shown  by  the 
new  war  into  which  Napoleon  is  about  to  enter.  This  expe- 
dition to  Russia  is  the  first  step  to  his  ruin!" 

"  Oh,  you  are  mistaken!"  exclaimed  the  king,  almost  indig- 
nantly. "  It  will  be  a  new  triumphal  procession  for  Napoleon. 
Russia  will  succumb  to  him,  as  we  all  have  done.  He  marches 
upon  the  position  of  his  enemy  with  the  armies  of  all  his 
allies — half  a  million  of  warriors  and  thousands  of  cannon — 
while  Russia  stands  alone ;  she  has  no  force  compared  with 
his,  and  no  allies  whatever." 

"  She  has  one  friend  more  powerful  than  any  Napoleon  has," 
said  Hardenberg,  solemnly — "  Nature.  When  this  ally  ap- 
pears, with  its  masses  of  ice  and  snow-storms,  Napoleon  is 
lost." 

"  But  he  will  take  good  care  not  to  wait  for  this  reinforce- 
ment," exclaimed  the  king.  "As  always,  he  will  finish  the 
war  in  a  few  weeks,  vanquish  the  feeble  forces  of  Alexander 
with  his  own  tremendous  columns  in  one  or  two  decisive  bat- 
tles, and  then,  on  the  ruins  of  the  Russian  empire,  dictate 
terms  of  peace  to  the  humiliated  emperor.  This  has  been  the 
course  of  events  ever  since  Bonaparte  commanded,  and  so  it 
will  be  hereafter." 

"  Your  majesty,  it  will  not ;  for,  during  twelve  years,  he 
has  been  the  instructor  of  the  world,  and  the  nations  have 
learned  from  him  not  only  the  art  of  war,  but  his  special 
strategies.  His  secret  consists  in  the  rapidity  of  his  move- 
ments. He  has  made  Macchiavelli's  words  his  own:  'A 
short  and  vigorous  war  insures  victory!'  He  must,  therefore, 
be  opposed  by  a  protracted  and  desultory  war — his  enemies 
must  fight  long,  not  with  heavy  columns,  but  with  light  bat- 
talions, now  here,  now  there;  they  must  take  care  not  to  bring 
on  a  general  battle,  but  slowly  thin  the  ranks  of  his  army,  and 
exhaust  his  resources  and  his  patience.  This  was  the  course 
which  the  Spaniards  pursued,  and  their  hopes  are,  therefore, 
promising;  they  are  carrying  on  a  guerilla  warfare,  and  he  is 
obliged  to  renew  the  struggle  every  day  without  being  able  to 
defeat  them  in  a  decisive  battle.  Russia  will  adopt  a  similar 
plan.  She  will  take  pains  to  draw  Napoleon  farther  and 


12  NAPOLEON  AND   BLUCHER. 

farther  into  the  interior  of  the  country,  incessantly  alluring 
him  forward  by  insignificant  victories,  rendering  him  eager 
for  a  great  battle.  In  strict  obedience  to  the  plans  he  Has 
adopted,  she  will  especially  endeavor  to  weaken  Napoleon,  and 
mit  him  off  from  his  supplies  and  base  of  operations.  She  will 
successively  fight  him  at  every  important  point  with  a  strong 
army,  supported  by  large  reserves,  tire  him  out,  and  ruin  him 
in  detail.  This  plan  she  will  adhere  to  until  her  great  ally 
approaches  from  Siberia — grim  Winter,  covering  Eussia  with 
an  invulnerable  defence,  so  that  her  sons  may  at  last  take 
the  offensive,  and  expel  the  terrified  enemy." 

"  That  is  a  grand,  but  an  infernal  scheme!"  exclaimed  the 
king,  who  had  risen,  and  was  walking  up  and  down  Avith 
hasty  steps.  "  Who  conceived  it?" 

"  No  single  brain ;  it  is  the  result  of  the  consultations  of  the 
most  eminent  Eussian  generals.  They  also  have  studied 
Macchiavelli,  and  found  that  significant  axiom,  'He  who 
knows  how  to  resist  will  conquer  in  the  end. '  The  Eussians, 
therefore,  will  resist,  and  they  will  conquer." 

"  But  who  tells  you  that  this  is  the  plan  which  Eussia  will 
adopt?"  asked  the  king.  "Whence  have  you  derived  such 
accurate  information?" 

"Your  majesty,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling,  "though  we 
publicly  act  as  the  enemies  of  Eussia,  and  are  compelled  to 
send  our  army  against  her,  she  secretly  regards  us  as  her  ally, 
and  knows  well  that  we  are  only  waiting  for  the  favorable  mo- 
ment to  drop  the  mask  and  become  the  open  enemy  of  the 
usurper.  We  have,  therefore,  warm  friends  in  Eussia,  who 
will  keep  us  informed  about  every  thing  going  on,  that  we 
may  prudently  use  the  favorable  moment  when  we  also  can 
take  up  arms  against  Napoleon." 

"No  rash  steps — no  coups  de  main,"  exclaimed  Frederick 
William,  gravely  and  imperiously,  standing  in  front  of  Har- 
denberg, and  looking  him  full  in  the  face.  "  I  am  opposed 
to  any  sort  of  underhand  games ;  when  you  are  not  strong 
enough  to  attack  your  enemy  openly  and  honestly,  you  ought 
to  be  too  proud  to  shoot  at  him  from  an  ambuscade,  like  a 
coward  and  bandit.  The  bullet  may  miss  him,  and  he  who 
fired  it  dies  as  a  traitor,  overwhelmed  with  disgrace.  I  have 
concluded  this  alliance  with  France;  I  am  now  her  ally,  and 
thereby  compelled  to  furnish  her  an  auxiliary  corps  of  twenty 
thousand  men  against  Eussia;  so  long,  therefore,  as  this  cam- 
paign lasts,  I  must,  by  virtue  of  the  pledges  I  have  given, 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM  AND  HARDENBERG.  13 

stand  by  France,  and  woe  to  the  general  of  mine  who  should 
forget  this,  and  disobey  the  orders  I  have  given  him!" 

"  There  may  be  circumstances,  however,  your  majesty,"  said 
Hardenberg,  in  an  embarrassed  tone,  "  circumstances — " 

"There  can  be  none,"  interrupted  the  king,  "justifying  us 
to  turn  traitors.  A  man  has  but  one  word  to  pledge,  and  that 
I  have  pledged  to  Napoleon.  "When  my  soldiers  forsake  the 
colors  under  which  I  have  placed  them,  they  shall  be  punished 
as  deserters.  No  one  knows  the  anguish  with  which  I  say 
this,  but  as  a  man  who  must  keep  his  word,  and  as  a  corn- 
mander-in-chief  who,  above  all,  must  maintain  discipline  and 
subordination,  I  cannot  speak  otherwise.  Tell  your  friends 
in  Eussia  so.  I  am  sad  and  dejected  enough,  compelled  as  I 
am  to  become  Napoleon's  ally.  But  I  will  not  perjure 
myself!" 

"  Your  majesty,  I  bow  in  admiration  of  these  noble  words 
of  my  king,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  enthusiastically;  "  I  wish 
the  whole  world  could  hear  them.  At  this  hour  you  obtained 
a  greater  victory  than  Napoleon  ever  gained  on  the  battle- 
field— a  victory  of  duty  and  fidelity  over  your  own  inclinations 
and  wishes!  Far  be  it  from  me  to  oppose  this  magnanimous 
resolution.  Our  army,  then,  will  march  out  side  by  side  with 
the  French  troops  and  will  return,  if  it  ever  should,  as  an  auxil- 
iary corps  of  the  grand  army.  But  then,  your  majesty,  the 
new  day  will  dawn,  for  which  we  must  prepare  while  Napo- 
leon is  in  Eussia.  It  must  be  in  secret — in  the  dead  of  night 
— but  the  rising  sun  will  find  us  ready.  The  world  is  now 
united  for  the  great  work ;  brethren  are  offering  their  hands 
to  brethren  from  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean  to  those  of 
the  Atlantic  and  the  Baltic.  Their  common  sufferings  have 
filled  their  hearts  with  the  same  love  and  hatred.  All  the 
nations  are  uniting  into  one  family,  and  in  their  wrath  will 
destroy  him  who  is  menacing  all  alike.  Secret  messengers 
keep  the  brethren  in  the  west  and  north,  in  the  south  and 
east,  well  informed  of  what  is  done  by  their  friends.  Patri- 
otic poets  are  arousing  the  nations  from  the  lethargy  that  en- 
thralled them  during  so  many  years;  they  make  them  hear 
the  gospel  of  liberty,  and  awaken  them  from  their  indiffer- 
ence. In  secret  workshops  the  brethren  are  forging  arms;  in 
the  night  the  sisters  are  at  work  upon  uniforms,  and  their 
children  are  making  lint  for  warriors  to  be  wounded  in  the 
holy  war  of  liberation.  They  are  quietly  preparing  for  it  in 
the  offices,  the  students'  halls,  and  the  workshops.  At  the  first 


14  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

call  they  will  fling  aside  their  pens  and  tools,  take  up  the 
sword,  and  hasten  into  the  field,  to  deliver  the  fatherland. 
All  Europe,  at  the  present  moment,  is  but  one  vast  secret  so- 
ciety, which  has  even  in  France  active  and  influential  mem- 
bers. Napoleon  stands  on  a  volcano,  which  will  soon  engulf 
him." 

"  Enough !"  exclaimed  the  king,  anxiously.  "  Say  no  more ; 
I  will  know  nothing  about  secret  societies  and  conspiracies. 
They  are  perhaps  an  inevitable  evil  in  these  times,  but  still 
they  are  an  evil,  destroying  those  for  whose  benefit  they  were 
intended." 

"  May  God  in  His  mercy  favor  them  in  advancing  our 
cause,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  "that  from  them  may  arise 
the  army  that  is  to  deliver  the  nations  from  the  yoke  of  the 
tyrant !  I  am  convinced  that  it  will  be  so,  and  that  the  mo- 
ment will  come  when  Prussia  will  be  able  to  redeem  the  oath 
which  I  am  sure  every  Prussian  took  when  he  saw  the  coffin  of 
the  august  Queen  Louisa.  On  the  day,  your  majesty,  when  I 
saw  it,  I  resolved  to  strive  for  no  other  object  than  to  deliver 
my  country.  For  this  I  will  devote  my  whole  strength — my 
life,  if  need  be!  Heaven  heard  my  oath,  and  I  shall  not  die 
before  its  fulfilment." 

The  king  gazed  long  and  mournfully  upon  the  queen's  por- 
trait which  hung  over  his  desk,  and  represented  her  in  the 
attire  in  which  Frederick  William  had  seen  her  for  the  first 
time.  "  But  she  died  before  the  hour  of  deliverance  struck," 
he  said,  gloomily,  to  himself.  "  Her  heart  was  broken,  and 
she  did  not  even  take  hope  with  her  into  the  grave.  She, — " 
he  stopped  suddenly,  and  turned  his  eyes  toward  Hardenberg. 
"I  will  communicate  something  to  you,"  he  said  briefly  and 
impulsively ;  "  I  will  confess  to  you  that  I  comprehend  your 
oath;  for  I  also  took  one  when  I  held  the  queen's  corpse  in 
my  arms.  In  the  beginning  the  terrible  blow  paralyzed  my 
soul,  and  I  felt  as  though  I  had  been  hurled  into  a  dark  abyss. 
Suddenly  I  heard,  as  from  a  voice  resounding  in  my  ears, 
4  You  must  not  die  before  you  avenge  her  death  upon  him  who 
broke  her  heart!'  I  bent  over  her,  and  kissing  her  lips,  swore 
that  I  would  live  only  to  obey.  I  have  not  forgotten  that  oath 
and  that  hour,  and,  you  may  depend  on  it,  I  shall  ever  re- 
member it;  but  I  will  wait  for  the  favorable  moment  and  it 
must  not  be  supposed  that  I  can  allow  myself  to  be  carried 
away  by  imprudent  projects." 

"No  one  would  wish  that,  your  majesty,"  said  Hardenberg 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM  AND  HARDENBERG.  15 

hastily.  "  On  the  contrary,  prudence,  above  all,  is  necessary 
at  the  present  time,  and  for  this  reason  I  would  entreat  you  to 
overcome  your  feelings  and  go  to  Dresden,  to  pay  your  re- 
spects to  the  emperor." 

"Never!"  exclaimed  Frederick  William,  starting  up  and 
blushing  with  indignation.  "  No,  nowhere  else  than  in  bat- 
tle can  I  meet  again  this  man,  who  has  destroyed  my  happi- 
ness, my  honor,  and  my  hopes!  Do  not  allude  to  this  any 
more.  It  cannot  be.  How  can  I  meet  him,  whom  I  have 
not  seen  since  the  days  of  Tilsit?  Who  can  ask  me  to  go  to 
Dresden,  to  stand  there  as  a  courtier  at  the  door  of  an  arro- 
gant victor,  and  mingle  with  the  crowd  of  his  trainbearers?" 

"  Your  majesty,  the  Emperor  of  Austria  will  also  go  to 
Dresden,"  said  Hardenberg,  entreatingly. 

"  The  Emperor  of  Austria  does  so,  because  he  is  unfortunate 
enough  to  be  Napoleon's  father-in-law." 

"  Nevertheless,  the  Emperor  Francis  saw  his  son-in-law  for 
the  last  time  on  the  day  when,  after  the  battle  of  Austerlitz, 
he  repaired  as  a  supplicant  to  the  bivouac-fire  of  Napoleon, 
and  implored  the  conqueror  to  grant  him  peace.  That  was 
even  worse  than  Tilsit,  and  still  the  Emperor  of  Austria  conies 
to  Dresden,  to  become,  as  your  majesty  said,  the  trainbearer 
of  the  victor." 

"  Why  does  he  do  so?"  asked  the  king,  shrugging  his  shoul- 
ders. "  Because  he  must — because  at  the  present  time  every 
wish  of  Napoleon  is  almost  an  order,  even  for  princes.  Na- 
poleon caused  his  ambassador  at  Vienna  verbally  to  inform 
the  emperor  that  he  wished  to  see  his  father-in-law  at  Dres- 
den, and  witness  the  meeting  of  his  consort,  Maria  Louisa, 
with  her  parents.  The  Emperor  Francis  hastened  to  comply 
with  this  request,  and  is  expected  to  arrive  to-morrow." 

"Well,  Bonaparte,  fortunately,  expressed  to  me  no  such 
wish,  and  it  will  not  be  expected  that  I  should  go  thither 
without  being  requested  to  do  so." 

"  Pardon  me,  your  majesty,  our  ambassador  at  Dresden  re- 
ceived a  similar  communication  from  the  French  envoy  at  the 
court  of  Saxony.  The  Emperor  Napoleon  desires  likewise  to 
see  your  majesty  at  Dresden.  Here  is  the  letter  from  the 
ambassador." 

The  king  took  the  paper  and  hastily  glanced  over  it.  He 
then  heaved  a  profound  sigh,  and,  returning  it  to  Harden- 
berg, fixed  his  eyes  once  more  upon  the  portrait  of  the  queen. 
He  gazed  steadfastly  upon  it.  Gradually  the  expression  of 


16  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

his  features  became  milder,  and  his  gloomy  eye  more  cheerful. 
With  a  wave  of  his  hand  he  called  Hardenberg  to  his  side; 
looking  again  at  the  portrait,  and  saluting  it  with  a  gentle 
nod,  he  said,  "  She  overcame  her  feelings,  and  went  to  Tilsit, 
because  she  believed  it  necessary,  for  the  welfare  of  Prussia, 
to  pacify  the  wrath  of  Napoleon.  I  will  follow  the  example 
of  my  beloved  Louisa.  I  will  conquer  myself,  and  go  to 
Dresden.  But  you,  Hardenberg,  must  accompany  me." 


CHAPTEK   II. 

THE    WHITE    LADY. 

GREAT  commotion  reigned  at  the  palace  of  Baireuth. 
Servants  hurried  through  the  brilliantly-decorated  rooms, 
spreading  out  here  and  there  an  additional  carpet,  placing 
everywhere  vases  filled  with  fragrant  flowers,  or  dusting  the 
finely-polished  furniture.  It  was  a  great  and  important  day 
for  Baireuth.  All  felt  it,  and  excitement  and  curiosity  drove 
the  inhabitants  into  the  streets.  No  one  cared  to  stay  at 
home,  or  be  absent  at  that  historic  hour  which  was  to  shed 
upon  Baireuth  a  ray  of  her  ancient  glory. 

The  man  at  whose  feet  the  world  was  prostrate,  to  whom 
kings  and  princes  were  bowing,  before  whom  empires  trem- 
bled and  thrones  passed  away,  who  had  only  to  stretch  out  his 
hand  to  establish  new  dynasties,  and  whom  the  world  admired 
while  it  hated — Napoleon — was  to  arrive  at  Baireuth.  The 
quartermasters  had  arrived  already  early  in  the  morning,  and 
ordered  in  the  name  of  the  emperor  that  the  rooms  at  the 
palace  should  be  put  in  readiness,  because  he  intended  to 
reach  Baireuth  in  the  afternoon  of  the  14th  of  May,  and  stop 
overnight. 

The  whole  population  seemed  to  be  in  the  streets.  The 
windows  of  the  houses  along  the  route  of  the  emperor  were 
open,  crowded  with  the  most  distinguished  ladies  of  the  city ; 
they  were  dressed  in  their  most  beautiful  toilets,  and  held  in 
their  hands  bouquets,  with  which  they  intended  to  salute  Na- 
poleon. But  the  greatest  commotion,  as  we  have  remarked, 
reigned  at  the  new  palace,  for  the  emperor  had  given  express 
orders  that  apartments  should  be  prepared  for  him  there,  and 
not  at  the  old  palace  of  the  Margraves  of  Brandenburg. 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  17 

Count  Monster,  intendant  of  the  palaces,  had,  of  course,  com- 
plied with  these  orders,  and  four  brilliant  rooms  were  ready 
for  the  reception  of  Napoleon.  All  the  arrangements  were 
completed,  and  the  intendant,  followed  by  the  castellan, 
walked  for  the  last  time  through  the  imperial  rooms  to  satisfy 
himself  that  every  thing  was  in  good  order. 

"No,  nothing  has  been  left  undone,"  said  the  count,  when 
he  stepped  into  the  bedchamber  destined  for  the  emperor. 
"  Every  thing  is  as  comfortable  as  it  is  splendid ;  the  arrange- 
ment reflects  a  great  deal  of  credit  upon  you,  my  dear  Schlu- 
ter,  and  will,  doubtless,  procure  you  a  liberal  reward  from 
the  emperor,  who  is  said  to  be  very  munificent." 

"  I  do  not  wish  to  accept  any  presents  at  the  tyrant's  hands," 
growled  the  castellan,  with  a  gloomy  face;  "I -do  not  want 
to  stain  my  hands  with  the  plunder  which  he  brings  from 
foreign  lands,  and  which  is  accompanied  with  a  curse  rather 
than  a  blessing." 

"  You  are  a  fool,  my  dear  Schluter,"  exclaimed  the  count, 
laughing.  "  You  see  at  least  that  curses  do  not  incommode 
the  emperor,  for  his  power  and  authority  are  constantly  on 
the  increase.  He  is  now  going  to  Dresden,  to  see  at  his  feet 
all  the  princes  of  Germany ;  and  he  will  then  hasten  north- 
ward, to  gain  new  victories  and  humiliate  the  only  man  in  the 
world  who  still  dares  to  defy  him,  the  Emperor  Alexander  of 
Eussia." 

"  I  know  some  one  else  who  will  not  bow  to  him,  and  whom 
he  will  not  humiliate,"  said  the  castellan,  contemptuously 
shrugging  his  shoulders. 

"Well,  and  who  is  that?"  asked  Count  Munster,  quickly. 

"It  is  the  White  Lady!"  exclaimed  the  castellan,  solemnly 
and  loudly. 

Count  Munster  shuddered  and  glanced  around  in  evident 
terror.  "  For  Heaven's  sake,  hush !"  he  said,  hastily.  "  Pray 
forget  these  foolish  hallucinations,  and,  above  all,  do  not  ven- 
ture to  talk  about  them  at  the  present  time." 

The  castellan  shook  his  head  slowly.  "  You  ought  not  to 
talk  of  hallucinations,  count,"  he  said,  solemnly.  "The 
White  Lady  is  awake  and  walking,  and  she  knows  that  the 
enemy  of  her  house,  the  house  of  Brandenburg,  will  spend  the 
coming  night  at  this  palace.  I  repeat  it  to  your  excellency, 
she  is  walking,  and  her  eyes  are  filled  with  wrath,  and  there 
is  a  curse  on  her  lips  against  the  enemy  of  the  Hohenzollerns. 
I  would  not  be  surprised  if  she  should  shout  to-night  into  the 


18  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ears  of  the  tyrant,  and,  by  her  words,  awaken  him  from  his 
slumber." 

"Gracious  Heaven,  Schluter,  do  not  talk  so  audaciously!" 
exclaimed  the  count,  anxiously.  "  If  one  of  the  attendants  of 
the  emperor  overhear  your  words,  you  would  perish.  Napo- 
leon is  said  to  be  somewhat  superstitious ;  he,  who  otherwise 
is  afraid  of  nothing  in  the  world,  is  said  to  be  easily  terrified 
by  ghosts,  and  to  believe  in  all  sorts  of  omens  and  prophecies. 
He  has  already  heard  of  the  White  Lady  of  Baireuth,  and 
therefore  given  express  orders  that  apartments  should  be  pre- 
pared for  him  at  the  new  palace,  and  not  at  the  old  one,  and 
rooms  selected  in  which  she  was  not  in  the  habit  of  walking.* 
I  hope  that  you  have  punctually  carried  out  this  order,  and 
that  these  rooms  are  exempt  from  the  visits  of  the  apparition?" 

"  Who  has  the  power  to  give  orders  to  spirits,  and  command 
them,  'So  far  and  no  farther?' "  asked  the  castellan,  almost 
scornfully.  "  She  goes  whither  she  desires,  and  the  doors 
closed  against  her  she  opens  by  a  breath.  The  walls  disappear 
before  her,  and  where  you  expect  her  least  of  all,  there  you 
suddenly  meet  her  tall,  majestic  form  in  the  white  dress,  her 
head  covered  with  a  black  veil,  under  which  her  large  angry 
eyes  are  flashing. " 

"Hush,  Schluter!"  exclaimed  the  count,  anxiously,  "I 
know  the  portrait  of  the  White  Lady,  which  hangs  in  the 
cabinet  adjoining  the  audience-hall,  and  it  is,  therefore,  un- 
necessary for  you  to  describe  her  appearance  to  me." 

"  Your  excellency  knows  that  we  have  two  portraits  of  the 
White  Lady,"  said,  the  castellan,  laconically. 

"  Yes,  the  one  with  the  white  dress  is  at  the  hermitage ;  the 
other,  representing  her  in  a  dark  dress,  is  here  at  the  palace. 
Thank  Heaven !  there  is  but  one  portrait  of  her  here,  and  I 
hope  it  is  in  the  other  wing  of  the  building." 

"  That  is  to  say,  I  saw  the  portrait  there  this  afternoon,  but 
who  knows  whether  it  is  still  there?" 

"How  so?  Who  knows?"  asked  the  count  impatiently. 
"  What  do  you  mean?" 

"  I  mean,  count,  that  it  is  in  fact  no  portrait,  but  only  the 
bed  in  which  the  White  Lady  sleeps  until  it  pleases  her  to 
walk,  and  that,  while  she  is  walking,  it  will  certainly  not  be 
found  at  its  place.  Did  I  not  report  to  your  excellency  six 
months  since  that  the  portrait  had  again  broken  the  nail  and 
fallen?  It  was  an  entirely  new  nail,  count,  so  firm  and 

*  Historical.— Vide  Minutoli,  "  The  White  Lady,"  p   17. 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  19 

strong,  that  half  a  regiment  of  French  soldiers  might  have 
been  hung  upon  it  at  the  same  time;  I  had  had  the  nail  made 
by  the  blacksmith,  and  the  mason  fixed  it.  I  myself  hung  up 
the  portrait,  and  it  seemed  as  firm  as  though  it  had  grown  in 
the  wall.  But  that  very  night  a  noise  like  a  thunder-clap 
rolling  over  my  head  awakened  me,  and  when  I  opened  my 
eyes,  the  White  Lady  stood  at  my  bedside;  her  right  hand 
raised  menacingly,  her  black  veil  thrown  back,  she  stared  at 
me  with  a  face  flashing  with  anger.  I  uttered  a  cry,  and  shut 
my  eyes.  When  I  opened  them  again,  she  had  disappeared. 
In  the  morning  I  went  into  the  hall  to  look  after  the  portrait. 
It  was  gone.  Where  the  nail  had  been  fixed  nothing  but  a 
blood-red  stain  was  to  be  seen;  the  nail  itself,  broken  into 
small  pieces,  lay  on  the  floor.  The  portrait  had  walked  to 
the  small  cabinet  adjoining  the  hall,  and  was  quietly  leaning 
there  against  the  wall  as  though  nothing  had  happened." 

"  And  I  told  you  to  let  it  stand  there,  and  not  try  again  to 
hang  it  up.  The  large  painting  is  too  heavy." 

"  If  the  large  painting  wanted  to  hang  on  the  wall  it  would 
allow  the  smallest  nail  to  hold  it,"  said  Schluter,  shaking  his 
head.  "  But  the  White  Lady  wishes  to  stand  on  her  own  feet, 
and  no  human  power  is  able  to  prevent  her." 

"Schluter,  I  repeat  to  you,  you  are  a  dreamer,"  exclaimed 
the  count,  impatiently.  "  Let  us  speak  no  more  of  the  ap- 
parition. It  makes  one  feel  quite  curious.  Tell  me  now 
whether  you  have  really  removed  the  portrait  far  enough  that 
it  cannot  be  seen  by  the  emperor?" 

"  When  I  was  an  hour  ago  at  the  cabinet  adjoining  the  au- 
dience-hall, the  portrait  was  still  there.  But  who  knows  what 
may  have  happened  since  then?" 

"Well,  it  is  a  fixed  idea  of  yours,"  said  the  count,  shrug- 
ging his  shoulders.  "  I  do  not  wish  to  hear  any  more  of  it. 
These  rooms  are  finely  arranged,  and  I  have  no  fault  to  find 
with  them.  Now  lock  the  entrance-door,  and  let  us  go  out 
through  the  Gallery  of  Palms,  by  which  the  emperor  will 
have  to  enter." 

"  Pray,  your  excellency,  lead  the  way ;  I  shall  lock  the  door 
and  immediately  follow  you,"  said  the  castellan,  walking  has- 
tily through  the  opened  rooms. 

Count  Munster  slowly  walked  on,  thoughtfully  looking 
down,  and  shuddering  inwardly  at  the  immovable  superstition 
of  the  castellan,  whom  his  reason  vainly  endeavored  to  deride. 

"And  still  it  is  folly,  nothing  but  folly,"  he  muttered  to 


20  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

himself,  while  opening  the  high  hall-door,  and  stepping  into 
the  anteroom,  to  which,  on  account  of  its  length  and  narrow- 
ness, and  the  fresco  paintings  of  tropical  plants  on  the  walls, 
the  name  of  the  "  Gallery  of  Palms  "  had  been  given. 

All  was  silent  in  this  gallery ;  the  setting  sun  shed  its  beams 
through  the  windows,  covered  with  dark  curtains,  and  drew 
trembling  shining  lines  across  the  high  room.  The  footsteps 
of  the  count  resounded  so  loudly  that  he  himself  was  fright- 
ened, and  glanced  anxiously  around.  Suddenly  he  started  in 
dismay,  and  quickly  advanced  several  steps.  He  had  seen 
something  moving  at  the  lower  end  of  the  gallery,  and  it 
seemed  to  him  as  though  he  had  heard  approaching  footsteps. 
Yes,  he  was  not  mistaken;  now  he  saw  it  quite  distinctly! 
A  lady  approached.  The  sun  illuminated  her  tall  form,  and 
shed  a  golden  light  over  the  white  dress  falling  down  in 
ample  folds  over  her  feet.  She  approached  with  slow  steps, 
quite  regardless  of  the  count,  who  at  first  looked  at  her  in 
surprise,  and  then  turned  with  an  angry  face  toward  the  cas- 
tellan, who  just  then  entered. 

"  You  did  not  comply,  then,  with  my  orders,  Schluter?" 
exclaimed  the  count,  vehemently.  "  I  told  you  expressly  to 
keep  the  rooms  shut  until  the  emperor's  arrival,  and  not  to 
admit  any  one.  How  could  you  dare  disobey  my  instructions?" 

"But,  your  excellency,  I  did  obey  them,"  answered  Schlu- 
ter. "  Not  a  human  being  besides  the  footmen  has  been  per- 
mitted to  enter  here,  and  even  those  I  drove  out  two  hours 
ago,  and  shut  the  doors." 

"  If  that  be  true,  how  does  it  happen  that  there  is  a  lady 
here  in  the  gallery,"  asked  Count  Munster,  stretching  out  his 
arm  toward  the  lower  end  of  the  apartment. 

"A  lady?"  asked  Schluter,  greatly  amazed.  "Where  is 
she,  your  excellency?" 

The  count  fixed  his  eyes  searchingly  on  the  large  arched 
window,  in  the  bright  light  of  which  he  had  distinctly  seen 
the  lady.  She  was  gone — the  gallery  was  empty.  "  You  for- 
got to  shut  the  lower  door,  and  while  I  turned  and  scolded 
you,  the  lady  escaped!"  he  exclaimed.  He  hastily  rushed 
forward,  and  tried  to  open  the  door  leading  into  the  corridor : 
but  this  was  locked.  The  count  vainly  shook  the  lock. 
"  That  is  strange,"  he  muttered,  dropping  his  hand.  "  I  know 
I  saw  her  distinctly;  it  is  impossible  that  I  could  have  been 
mistaken.  Where  can  she  be?  What  has  become  of  her? 
Where  has  she  concealed  herself?" 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  21 

"  What  becomes  of  the  last  sigh  of  a  dying  person,  your  ex- 
cellency," asked  Schluter,  solemnly.  "Where  does  the  soul 
conceal  itself  after  escaping  from  the  body?" 

"Ah,  nonsense!"  ejaculated  Count  Munster.  "It  could 
not  have  been  a  spectre.  Why,  it  is  not  a  spectre's  hour, 
and,  besides,  I  certainly  saw  the  lady  plainly;  it  was  a  de- 
cidedly earthly  figure.  Her  face  was  pale  and  grave,  but 
there  was  nothing  spectral  about  it.  She  wore  a  black  veil 
thrown  back  from  her  face ;  the  upper  part  of  her  body  was 
covered  with — " 

"A  dark  pelisse  trimmed  with  fur,"  interrupted  Schluter, 
composedly.  "  Below  this  dark  pelisse  protruded  a  white  silk 
dress,  falling  to  the  ground  in  full  folds." 

"Yes,  yes,  that  was  the  costume,"  exclaimed  the  count. 
"  But  how  do  you  know  it  without  having  seen  her?" 

"  It  is  the  costume  of  the  White  Lady,  your  excellency," 
said  Schluter,  "  and  it  was  she  who  just  walked  through  the 
gallery.  Pray,  count,  go  with  me  to  the  other  wing  of  the 
palace  and  look  at  her  portrait;  your  excellency  will  then  be 
convinced  that  I  tell  the  truth." 

"  No,  no,  I  do  not  wish  to  see  it,"  replied  Count  Munster, 
whose  cheeks  turned  pale,  and  who  felt  his  heart  frozen  with 
terror.  "Unlock  the  door,  Schluter!  The  air  here  is  sultry 
and  very  oppressive !  Quick!  quick!  open  the  door!"  The 
castellan  obeyed,  and  the  count  rushed  out  into  the  corridor, 
where  he  opened  a  window  and  inhaled  the  fresh  air  in  eager 
draughts. 

At  this  moment  shouts  were  heard  at  a  distance,  and  at  the 
same  time  the  count's  footman  rushed  breathlessly  down  the 
corridor.  "  Your  excellency,  the  emperor  is  coming.  He  has 
already  passed  through  the  gate,  and  the  people  are  loudly 
cheering  him.  I  have  run  as  fast  as  I  could,  in  order  to  in- 
form your  excellency." 

"I  am  coming,"  said  the  count,  advancing  rapidly.  But, 
having  proceeded  a  few  steps,  he  turned  again  and  beckoned 
the  castellan  to  his  side.  "Schluter,"  he  whispered  to  him, 
if  you  love  your  life,  do  not  say  a  word  about  what  has  just 
happened  here.  It  must  remain  a  secret." 

"  A  secret!"  muttered  Schluter  to  himself,  gazing  after  the 
count,  who  hurried  away.  The  White  Lady  will  manage  the 
affair  in  such  a  manner  that  he  at  least  will  hear  of  the  secret, 
and  the  bloodthirsty  tyrant  will  not  sleep  well  in  the  palace 
of  the  Margraves  of  Brandenburg."  He  violently  closed  the 


22  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

door  and  stepped  out  into  the  large  staircase-hall,  the  doors  of 
which  opened  upon  the  street.  Uttering  incoherent  words 
of  indignation  in  an  undertone,  the  castellan  pushed  open 
one  of  the  windows  and  looked  gloomily  down  on  the  street. 
An  immense  crowd  were  in  front  of  the  palace ;  all  eyes  were 
turned  to  the  side  from  which  the  emperor  was  to  approach. 
Breathless  with  curiosity,  the  people  waited  for  the  arrival  of 
the  hero  who  had  conquered  nearly  all  the  world. 

"How  those  fools  are  gaping!"  growled  Schluter.  "Idle 
and  lazy  as  usual ;  they  like  to  complain  and  lament,  but  they 
never  think  of  doing  anything.  If  only  each  one  would  take 
up  a  single  stone  from  the  pavement  and  throw  it  as  a  greet- 
ing at  the  tyrant's  iron  head,  all1  this  distress  and  wretched 
ness  would  be  at  an  end.  But  no  one  thinks  of  that,  and  I 
should  not  wonder  if  those  fellows,  instead  of  cursing  him, 
should  enthusiastically  cheer  him." 

The  shouts  drew  nearer  at  this  moment,  as  the  crowd  rushed 
from  the  lower  part  of  the  street,  their  acclamations  growing 
constantly  more  deafening.  French  lancers  galloped  up  to 
keep  the  people  back,  and  several  carriages,  preceded  by  a 
plain  calash,  came  in  view.  A  negro,  dressed  in  a  richly- 
embroidered  livery,  sat  on  the  box  by  the  side  of  the  coach- 
man; two  plainly-dressed  gentlemen  occupied  the  inside  of 
the  carriage. 

"  That  is  he !"  growled  Schluter.  The  Evil  One  brings  him 
hither — he  is  his  best  friend.  Yes,  that  is  he,  and  he  looks 
pale,  grave,  and  incensed,  as  though  he  would  like  to  wither 
by  a  single  glance  the  whole  miserable  rabble  staring  at  him." 

"That  is  he!"  shouted  the  people.  "Long  live  Napoleon! 
Long  live  the  emperor!" 

Napoleon  gazed  coldly  and  impassively  upon  the  crowd, 
whose  cheers  came  to  him  as  a  sound  to  which  he  had  long 
been  accustomed,  and  which  was  by  no  means  agreeable.  It 
was  not  worth  while  for  him  to  smile  on  these  inhabitants  of  a 
small  city;  a  cold,  quick  nod  was  a  sufficient  acknowledgment. 
"  Long  live  Napoleon!"  shouted  the  crowd  again,  when  the 
emperor,  having  left  the  carriage,  now  turned  again  in  front 
of  the  palace-gate,  and  gazed  long  and  indifferently  upon  the 
spectators. 

The  castellan  closed  his  window.  "Ah!"  he  said,  "he 
dares  to  enter  this  palace.  The  White  Lady  will  bid  him 
welcome,  and  know  how  to  hasten  the  flight  of  this  arrogant 
tyrant.  Napoleon  is  coming!  Do  you  hear  that,  White 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  23 

Lady?  Napoleon  is  coming!"  He  burst  into  laughter,  and, 
opening  the  door  of  the  corridor,  took  a  position  at  the  one 
leading  into  the  Gallery  of  Palms. 

Footsteps  resounded  on  the  staircase,  and  various  persons 
appeared.  Generals,  adjutants,  and  lackeys  hurried  in  and 
formed  on  both  sides,  as  it  were,  in  line  of  battle.  The  em- 
peror then  entered  the  lower  end  of  the  corridor ;  Count  Mun- 
ster  walked  by  his  side  in  the  most  respectful  and  submissive 
manner.  All  bowed  their  heads  reverentially,  but  the  em- 
peror took  no  notice  of  them,  and  slowly  passed  the  saluting 
officers  and  servants. 

"I  hope  you  have  punctually  fulfilled  my  orders,  count?" 
he  asked,  in  his  sonorous  voice.  "  This  is  the  new  palace,  is 
it  not?" 

"  It  is,  sire.  And  this  man  will  testify  that  no  one  has  set 
foot  into  the  imperial  rooms,"  said  Count  Munster,  pointing 
with  a  smile  to  the  castellan,  who,  holding  his  bunch  of  keys  in 
his  uplifted  arm,  stood  at  the  entrance  of  the  Gallery  of  Palms. 

"AVho  is  it?"  asked  Napoleon,  whose  eagle  eye  was  fixed 
upon  Schluter. 

"  Sire,  it  is  the  castellan  of  this  palace,  a  faithful,  reliable 
man,  who  has  been  on  service  here  for  more  than  thirty  years. 
He  has  guarded  and  locked  the  rooms,  and  they  open  now 
only  to  your  majesty's  orders." 

"  Open,"  ordered  the  emperor,  with  a  quick  wave  of  his 
hand.  The  castellan  obeyed,  and  Napoleon  entered.  Count 
Munster  followed,  and  the  attendants  crowded  in  after  them. 
Advancing  quickly  into  the  middle  of  the  gallery,  the  emperor 
stood  directly  in  front  of  the  arched  window  in  which  Count 
Munster  had  before  seen  the  strange  apparition. 

"  The  White  Lady,  then,  never  appears  in  this  wing  of  the 
palace?"  asked  Napoleon,  abruptly. 

"No,  sire — never,"  said  Count  Munster,  solemnly.  "On 
the  whole,  sire,  no  one  here  believes  in  the  absurd  old  story, 
and  I  am  sure  no  one  knows  of  the  White  Lady  otherwise  than 
from  hearsay." 

The  emperor  nodded,  and  passed  on.  "Let  us  soon  have 
supper;  you  will  be  my  guest,"  he  said,  turning  on  the  thresh- 
old to  Count  Munster  and  dismissing  the  gentlemen  of  his 
suite. 

The  door  closed.  He  was  now  a  guest  at  the  palace  of  the 
ancestors  of  the  royal  family  of  Prussia,  the  Margraves  of 
Brandenburg. 


24  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

CHAPTER    III. 

NAPOLEON   AND  THE   WHITE   LADY. 

THE  emperor  had  long  risen  from  the  supper-table.  The 
imperial  suite  had  been  allowed  to  withdraw.  Alone  he  sat  in 
a  comfortable  night-dress  on  the  high,  antiquated  easy-chair, 
in  front  of  the  fire-place,  in  which,  at  his  express  order,  not- 
withstanding the  warm  weather,  a  large  fire  had  been  kindled. 
He  liked  heat;  the  sun  of  Egypt  and  the  desert  had  never 
been  too  warm  for  him ;  in  the  hottest  summer  days  in  France 
he  frequently  felt  chilly,  and  called  for  a  fire.  It  seemed  as 
though  the  inflamed  blood  in  his  veins  made  the  world  appear 
cold  to  him;  he  saw  the  light  of  the  sunbeams,  but  did  not 
feel  their  warmth.  He  now  sat  close  to  the  fire,  his  face  bent 
over  the  large  map  that  lay  on  the  table.  It  was  a  map  of 
Eussia.  He  rapidly  drew  several  lines  across  it,  marking  po- 
sitions with  the  colored  pins,  taken  from  the  small  boxes 
beside  him.  "  Yes,  this  is  my  plan,"  he  said  to  himself,  after 
a  long  pause.  "  Three  of  my  corps  must  be  placed  on  the 
Niemen ;  Davoust,  Oudinot,  and  Ney,  will  command  them. 
There,  farther  to  the  left,  the  cavalry  reserves,  under  Nan- 
souty  and  Montbrun,  will  take  position.  Here  the  old  guard, 
under  Lefebore;  there  the  young  guard,  under  Mortier  and 
Bessieres,  with  the  cavalry  of  the  guard.  At  this  point, 
farther  to  the  south,  the  fourth  corps,  composed  of  the  Italians 
and  Bavarians,  will  operate,  and  the  Viceroy  of  Italy,  Eugene, 
will  be  its  general-in-chief.  Farther  down,  here  at  Grodno 
and  Bialystock,  I  will  place  the  Poles,  Westphalians,  and  Sax> 
ons;  the  fifth,  seventh,  and  eighth  corps  to  be  commanded  by 
my  brother  Jerome.  The  Prussians  will  halt  at  Tilsit,  and 
form  the  extreme  left  wing;  Macdonald  will  be  their  leader; 
and  below  there,  at  Drochiczyn  Schwartzenberg  with  his  Aas- 
trians  will  form  the  extreme  right  wing.  The  preparations 
are  complete,  and  the  thunder-cloud  is  ready  to  burst  over 
Russia  if  Alexander  should  persist  in  his  obstinacy.  Like  the 
waves  of  the  tempestuous  ocean,  my  armies  are  rolling  toward 
the  shores  of  Russia.  They  can  still  be  stopped  by  a  suppliant 
word  from  Alexander.  If  he  refuses,  let  his  destiny  be  ful- 
filled, and  let  the  roar  of  my  cannon  inform  him  that  his  hour 
has  struck,  and  that  the  end  of  his  imperial  power  draws  nigh. 


NAPOLEON  AND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  25 

It  was  his  own  will.  He  himself  has  brought  destruction 
upon  his  head!  He — " 

A  loud  noise  above  his  head,  making  the  walls  tremble  and 
the  windows  rattle  suddenly  interrupted  the  stillness.  The 
emperor  rose  from  his  seat  and  shouted  "Koustan!"  The 
door  of  the  adjoining  room  opened  and  the  Mameluke  ap- 
peared on  the  threshold. 

"  What  was  it?"  asked  Napoleon  hastily. 

"  Sire,  it  was  as  if  a  wall  fell  in  above  us;  the  noise  was  as 
loud  as  though  a  cannon  were  fired  in  the  palace.  I  rushed 
immediately  into  the  corridor,  but  every  thing  there  was 
quiet.  Only  the  castellan  of  the  palace  appeared  in  the 
utmost  haste  in  his  night-gown,  and  asked  whether  an  acci- 
dent had  happened  in  the  rooms  of  the  emperor." 

"  Where  is  the  castellan  now?" 

"  Sire,  when  I  told  him  that  the  noise  was  on  the  upper 
floor,  he  immediately  went  thither  in  order  to  see  what  had 
occurred." 

"Go  and  bring  him  to  me,"  ordered  Napoleon;  and  when 
Koustan  had  withdrawn,  the  emperor  fixed  his  eyes  steadfastly 
on  the  door,  and  his  compressed  lips  quivered  with  im- 
patience. 

Finally,  the  door  opened  again ;  Eoustan  appeared,  followed 
by  the  castellan,  pale  and  trembling,  behind  the  Mameluke, 
and  clinging  with  his  hands  to  the  door  to  support  himself. 

Napoleon  cast  upon  him  one  of  his  quick  glances.  "  What 
was  this  noise,  and  why  do  you  tremble  so  violently?" 

"Pardon  me,  your  majesty,"  faltered  Schluter,  "but  my 
terror — the  surprise — I  am  afraid  I  have  lost  my  senses.  I 
have  just  seen  something  so  unheard  of,  so  incredible,  that 

"  What  have  you  seen?"  asked  Napoleon.  "  Speak !  What 
was  this  noise?" 

The  castellan  slowly  raised  his  head,  and  stared  with  terri- 
fied eyes  at  the  emperor.  "  Your  majesty,"  he  said,  solemnly, 
"the  White  Lady  made  the  noise!" 

Napoleon  started,  and  his  brow  grew  clouded.  "  But  did 
they  not  tell  me  that  the  miserable  spectre  never  haunted  this 
part  of  the  palace?"  he  asked.  "Did  I  not  issue  orders  that 
rooms  should  be  given  me  where  I  should  not  be  disturbed  by 
this  apparition?" 

"Your  majesty,  she  has  hitherto  never  entered  these 
rooms,"  exclaimed  Schluter.  "Never  before  has  the  White 
3 


26  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Lady  directed  her  steps  hither,  and  this  afternoon  her  por- 
trait stood  quietly  in  a  cabinet  of  the  other  wing  of  the  palace. 
I  can  take  an  oath  that  this  is  true." 

"What  portrait  do  you  refer  to?"  asked  Napoleon,  im- 
patiently. 

"  The  portrait  of  the  White  Lady,"  said  Schluter.  "  I  saw 
it  this  very  day  in  the  cabinet  on  the  other  side;  all  the  doors 
were  locked,  and  now  I  suddenly  find  this  large  painting  in 
the  room  above  you ;  it  was  lying  on  the  floor  as  if  in  walking 
it  had  stumbled  over  something  and  fallen.  It  is  the  first 
time  that  the  White  Lady  appears  in  this  wing  of  the  palace ; 
her  portrait  has  come  from  the  other  side,  and  Heaven  alone 
knows  how  it  has  happened.  Whenever  we  wished  to  convey 
the  painting,  with  its  enormous  wooden  frame,  from  one  room 
to  another,  no  less  than  six  men  were  required  to  carry  it,  and 
now  it  is  here  as  though  it  had  flitted  through  the  air :  and  it 
is  lying  on  the  floor  as  if  struck  down  by  lightning." 

"And  you  think  the  fall  of  the  painting  produced  the 
noise?" 

"  I  feel  convinced  of  it.  If  your  majesty  wishes  me  to  do 
so,  I  will  get  a  few  men,  go  up-stairs  to  raise  the  painting, 
and  let  it  fall  again,  that  your  majesty  may  judge  whether  it 
is  the  same  noise  or  not." 

"  Ah,  you  do  not  feel  much  respect  for  your  walking  por- 
trait," exclaimed  the  emperor,  smiling.  "  You  want  to  abuse 
it,  and  make  experiments  with  it.  We  will  suppose  that  the 
fall  of  the  painting  was  the  sole  cause  of  the  noise.  Now, 
that  it  is  on  the  floor,  I  believe  it  will  lie  still  and  disturb  us 
no  longer,  unless  it  be  that  your  portrait  should  fall  asleep  and 
snore.  What  do  you  know  about  that?" 

"Your  majesty,"  said  Schluter,  gravely,  "the  White  Lady 
never  sleeps!" 

The  emperor  cast  a  searching  glance  upon  him,  and  then 
turned  away,  folded  his  hands,  and  slowly  paced  the  room. 
Suddenly  he  stood  in  front  of  the  castellan. 

"  What  about  this  White  Lady?"  he  asked,  hastily.  "  Who 
was  she,  and  what  is  her  history?" 

"  Ah,  sire,  it  is  a  long  and  melancholy  history  concerning 
the  ancestors  of  the  Margraves  of  Brandenburg,"  said  Schlu- 
ter, sighing. 

"You  know  the  history?" 

"Yes,  your  majesty,  I  know  it  well." 

"Tell  it  to  me,  but  very  briefly,"  said  Napoleon,  throwing 


NAPOLEON  AND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  27 

himself  on  the  easy-chair  in  front  the  fireplace,  and  ordering 
Koustan,  by  a  wave  of  his  hand  and  the  word  "Fire!"  to  add 
fresh  fuel. 

"Now,  tell  me  all  about  it." 

"Your  majesty,"  replied  Schluter,  hesitatingly,  "I  do  not 
know  how  to  narrate  a  story  in  fine  words,  and  you  must  par- 
don me  if  I  do  not  acquit  myself  very  satisfactorily." 

"  Who  was  this  AVhite  Lady?" 

"  Sire,  her  name  was  Cunigunda,  Countess  von  Plassenburg. 
Her  parents  had  compelled  her  to  marry  the  old  Count  von 
Plassenburg,  and  when  her  husband  died,  after  two  years  of 
unhappy  wedded  life,  the  Countess  Cunigunda  of  Orlamunde 
and  Plassenburg  was  a  young  widow,  twenty-four  years  of  age, 
heiress  of  the  splendid  Plassenburg,  and  mother  of  two  chil- 
dren. She  was  a  gay-spirited  lady,  and  looked  around  for 
another  husband.  Her  eyes  fell  on  the  Burgrave  of  Nurem- 
berg, the  distinguished  nobleman  Albert  the  Handsome.  The 
whole  German  people  called  him  so ;  and  all  the  girls,  far  and 
near,  daughters  of  the  nobility,  as  well  as  those  of  the  citizens 
of  Nuremberg,  loved  the  fine-looking  Burgrave  of  Nuremberg, 
who  was  the  ancestor  of  the  House  of  Hohenzollern.  But  the 
noble  Count  Albert  loved  only  one  young  lady,  beautiful  Bea- 
trice of  Hainault,  and  would  marry  none  but  her.  The 
Countess  Cunigunda  of  Orlamunde,  however,  was  not  aware 
of  this,  and  sent  him  a  message,  asking  him  whether  he  would 
not  like  to  marry  her.  She  would  give  him,  besides  her 
hand,  the  splendid  Plassenburg  and  all  her  other  property. 
Burgrave  Albert  the  Handsome  smiled  when  he  heard  the 
message;  shrugging  his  shoulders,  he  said:  'Tell  your  coun- 
tess I  regard  her  as  very  amiable,  and  should  like  to  marry 
her,  provided  four  eyes  were  not  in  existence.  But  as  it  is,  I 
cannot  do  so. '  The  burgrave  referred  to  the  eyes  of  his  par- 
ents, who  did  not  like  the  Countess  of  Orlamunde,  and  he 
wished  to  make  them  responsible  for  his  refusal,  so  as  not  to 
offend  the  beautiful  widow.  But  Cunigunda  interpreted  the 
words  differently,  and  thought  the  four  eyes,  which  the  Bur- 
grave  said  were  in  the  way  of  their  marriage,  were  those  of 
her  two  children.  She  loved  the  handsome  Burgrave  so  in- 
tensely, that  she  henceforth  hated  the  children,  because  she 
believed  them  to  be  the  sole  obstacles  to  her  marriage.  The 
Evil  One  and  her  passion  whispered  into  her  ear,  'Go  and  kill 
your  children.'  So  Cunigunda  rose  from  her  couch;  in  a 
long  white  night-dress,  her  head  covered  with  a  black  veil, 


28  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

she  crept  to  the  bed  of  her  children,  and,  drawing  from  her 
raven  hair  a  long  golden  pin,  set  with  precious  stones  (a  gift 
which  she  had  once  received  at  the  hands  of  Burgrave  Albert), 
she  pierced  the  heads  of  her  children,  penetrating  the  brain 
to  the  vertebra." 

"Medea!"  ejaculated  Napoleon,  staring  into  the  fire. 
"  This,  then,  is  the  history  of  the  Medea  of  the  Hohenzollern." 

"  No,  sire,  the  name  of  the  countess  was  not  Medea,  but 
Cunigunda,"  said  Schluter,  respectfully. 

Napoleon  smiled.     "Proceed,"  he  said. 

"On  the  following  morning  there  was  great  wailing  at  the 
Plassenburg,  for  the  two  sweet  little  children  lay  dead  in  their 
bed ;  not  a  vestige  of  violence  was  to  be  seen,  and  the  physi- 
cian of  the  countess  decided  that  a  stroke  of  apoplexy  had 
killed  them.  The  Countess  of  Orlamunde  sent  a  mounted 
messenger  to  Nuremberg  to  Burgrave  Albert  the  Handsome, 
requesting  him  to  come  and  see  her.  And  when  the  bur- 
grave  came  she  met  him  in  a  white  bridal  dress,  and  looked  at 
him  with  radiant  eyes;  in  her  uplifted  right  hand  she  had 
the  golden  hair-pin,  and  said,  'The  four  eyes  are  no  longer  in 
existence.  For  your  sake  I  have  stabbed  my  two  children 
with  this  pin,  your  first  love-gift;  the  four  eyes  are  extin- 
guished forever.  Now,  marry  me!'  But  the  burgrave  re- 
coiled in  terror,  and  pushed  back  the  murderess,  who  was 
about  to  embrace  him.  He  then  dragged  her  through  the 
rooms  to  the  dungeon  of  the  castle.  She  begged  and  cried, 
but  the  burgrave  had  no  mercy  upon  the  infanticide,  and 
hurled  her  down  into  the  dungeon.  He  then  informed  the 
courts  of  the  crime  that  had  been  committed.  The  Countess 
von  Orlamunde,  the  last  member  of  her  family,  was  put  on 
trial,  and  sentence  of  death  passed  upon  her.  The  burgrave 
of  Nuremberg  sent  the  first  executioner  from  the  city  to  the 
Plassenburg,  and  the  countess  was  beheaded  in  the  presence  of 
the  burgrave,  and  in  the  same  room  in  which  she  had  mur- 
dered her  children.  Before  putting  her  head  on  the  block 
she  glanced  at  the  handsome  burgrave,  raised  both  her  arms 
toward  heaven,  and  took  a  fearful  oath  that  she  would  avenge 
herself  on  him  and  his  house;  that,  whenever  one  of  his  de- 
scendants was  at  the  point  of  death,  she  would  be  present,  as 
the  burgrave  himself  was  now  present  at  her  death ;  that  she 
would  never  rest  in  her  grave,  but  live  and  walk,  though  the 
burgrave  had  her  executed,  and  that,  as  she  was  before  him 
now  at  her  last  hour,  she  would  appear  to  him  at  his  last  hour. 


NAPOLEON  AND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  29 

After  uttering  these  words,  she  put  her  head  calmly  on  the 
block.  The  burgrave  then  had  her  buried  at  the  convent  of 
Himmelskron,  and,  by  virtue  of  an  old  treaty,  the  Burgraves 
of  Nuremberg  now  succeeded  to  the  fiefs  of  the  Counts  of 
Orlamunde,  whose  line  had  become  extinct.  The  Plassen- 
burg,  with  Baireuth  and  Burgundy,  and  all  the  possessions  of 
the  Counts  of  Orlamunde,  therefore  passed  into  the  hands 
of  Burgrave  Albert  the  Handsome.  He  did  not  enjoy  the 
inheritance  a  long  time,  for,  a  few  years  afterward,  shortly 
after  he  had  married  the  beautiful  Countess  Beatrice  of 
Hainault,  he  died  very  suddenly.  His  wife  was  awakened  by 
a  loud  cry  he  uttered.  He  then  exclaimed,  'Cunigunda,  do 
you  come  already  to  take  me  away?  Woe  to  me!  Woe  to 
me!'  All  became  still;  the  countess  called  for  the  servants 
and  a  light.  They  rushed  into  the  room  with  torches.  Bur- 
grave  Albert  the  Handsome  lay  in  his  bed  dead.  That,  your 
majesty,  is  the  history  of  the  White  Lady  of  Baireuth." 

"  This  lady,  then,  followed  the  Hohenzollern  from  the  Plas- 
senburg  to  Baireuth  and  Berlin?"  asked  Napoleon.  "For 
she  appears  sometimes  at  Berlin,  does  she  not?" 

"  At  Berlin,  and  all  places  where  members  of  the  house  of 
Hohenzollern,  the  descendants  of  the  Burgraves  of  Nurem- 
berg, are  about  to  die." 

"  Oh,  the  dear  lady,  then,  appears  only  to  the  family  of  the 
Hohenzollern,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  smiling.  "Is  it  not 
so?" 

"  No,  your  majesty,  at  times  she  appears  also  to  others," 
said  Schluter;  "she  walks  about  the  palace,  and  if  there  is 
any  one  in  her  way  whom  she  dislikes,  she  tells  them  so,  and 
angrily  orders  him  away.  She  forgets  no  insult  heaped  upon 
her  house,  and  she  is  terrible  in  her  wrath. " 

"I  have  heard  of  it,"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  gloomily. 
"  My  generals  complained  vehemently  of  the  annoyances  they 
had  suffered  here  in  1806,  owing  to  the  movements  of  this 
lady.  You  were  here  at  that  time,  were  you  not?" 

"  I  was,  sire,  and  so  I  was  when  General  d'Espagne,  in  1809, 
established  his  headquarters  at  this  palace." 

"  Ah,  I  remember,"  said  Napoleon  to  himself.  "  Duroc  told 
me  the  horrible  story  at  that  time.  Tell  me  what  was  it  that 
befell  General  d'Espagne  here?" 

"  Sire,  the  general  had  arrived  late  at  night,  and,  being 
weary,  had  immediately  retired.  In  the  night  terrible  cries 
were  heard  in  his  room.  The  orderlies  hastened  into  it ;  the 


30  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

general's  bed,  which,  Avhen  he  retired  for  the  night  stood  at 
the  wall,  was  now  in  the  middle  of  the  room;  it  was  upset, 
and,  having  fainted,  he  lay  under  it.  He  was  placed  on  a 
couch,  and  a  doctor  sent  for,  who  bled  him,  and,  when  he 
awoke,  gave  him  sedative  powders.  The  general  declared  that 
the  White  Lady  had  appeared  to  him,  and  tried  to  kill  him. 
AVhile  struggling  with  her,  his  bed  was  upset,  and,  when 
about  to  succumb,  he  uttered  loud  cries  for  assistance.  He  de- 
scribed all  the  particulars  of  the  countenance,  form,  and  dress 
of  the  apparition,  and,  at  his  express  request,  I  had  to  con- 
duct him  to  her  protrait.  As  soon  as  he  saw  it,  he  turned 
pale,  and  almost  sank  to  the  floor,  muttering,  'It  is  she!  She 
looked  exactly  like  that  when  she  appeared  to  me !  Her  ap- 
parition, doubtless,  indicated  my  impending  death!'  His 
officers  tried  to  dissuade  him  from  this  belief,  but  he  adhered 
to  his  conviction,  and  left  the  palace  that  very  night  in  order 
to  establish  his  headquarters  at  the  'Fautaisie, '  the  king's  lit- 
tle villa  near  the  city.  On  the  following  morning  General 
d'Espagne  sent  a  large  detachment  of  soldiers  to  this  palace; 
they  had  to  open  the  floor  under  the  direction  of  their  officers, 
and  take  down  the  wall-paper,  in  order  to  see  whether  there 
were  any  secret  trap-doors  or  hidden  entrances.*  But  they 
found  nothing,  for  the  White  Lady  needs  no  theatrical  ap- 
paratus; she  goes  where  she  pleases,  and  walls  and  locked 
doors  open  to  her.  General  d'Espagne,  however,  was  unable 
to  overcome  his  horror.  He  left  Baireuth  on  the  following 
day,  and  when  he  rode  out  of  the  gate  he  said,  'I  heard  my 
own  death-knell  here  at  Baireuth.  I  shall  soon  die!' ' 

"  And  he  really  died  shortly  after,  for  he  was  killed  at  the 
battle  of  Aspen,"  f  said  Napoleon  to  himself,  staring  gloomily 
into  the  fire.  A  pause  ensued;  suddenly  the  emperor  rose. 
"It  is  all  right,"  he  said.  "Go!  Your  story  of  the  White 
Lady  was  quite  entertaining.  I  hope  she  will  keep  quiet  now. 
Go! — And  you,  too,  Eoustan !  I  will  afterward  call  you!" 
Long  after  the  two  had  withdrawn,  the  emperor  walked  slowly 
up  and  down  the  room.  He  stood  at  length  in  front  of  the 
fireplace,  and  stared  moodily  into  the  blazing  flames.  His 
face  was  pale  and  gloomy.  "  Foolish  stories,  which  no  man  of 
sense  can  believe!  but  which,  nevertheless,  are  fulfilled  now 
and  then,"  he  added,  in  a  lower  voice.  "  Was  it  not  pre- 
dicted to  Josephine  that  she  would  become  an  empress;  and 

*  Vide  Minutoii,  "The  White  Lady,"  p.  17. 
t  Ibid.,  p.  17. 


NAPOLEON  AND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  31 

that  not  death,  but  a  woman,  would  hurl  her  from  the 
throne?  The  prophecy  was  fulfilled!  Poor  Josephine!  I 
had  to  desert  you,  and,  at  your  lonely  palace  of  Malmaison, 
you  are  perhaps  praying  for  me  at  this  hour,  because  you 
know  I  am  about  to  brave  new  dangers.  Poor  Josephine ! — 
you  were  my  good  angel,  and,  since  you  are  no  longer  at  my 
side — no  matter!"  the  emperor  interrupted  himself;  "I  will 
retire  to  rest. "  He  advanced  several  steps  toward  the  door 
leading  into  his  bedroom,  where  Roustan  and  Constant  were 
waiting  for  him,  but  stopping  said,  "No,  I  will  first  arrange 
my  plans,  and  fight  my  decisive  battles  with  the  Emperor 
Alexander."  He  returned  with  rapid  steps  to  the  table  cov- 
ered with  maps,  and  resumed  his  seat  in  the  easy-chair.  The 
tapers  were  burning  dimly;  the  flames  in  the  fireplace 
flickered,  shedding  a  dark-red  lustre  on  the  marble  face  of  the 
emperor,  who,  bending  over  the  map,  sat  motionless.  Per- 
haps it  was  the  heat,  or  the  profound  silence,  that  lulled  him 
to  sleep.  His  head  fell  back  into  the  chair,  and  his  eyes 
closed.  The  emperor  slept,  but  his  sleep  was  not  calm,  and 
his  features,  which  when  awake  were  so  firm  and  motionless, 
were  restless,  and  expressive  of  various  emotions.  Once  he 
exclaimed  in  a  tender  voice,  "  My  father !  Do  you  at  last 
come  to  me?  Oh,  welcome,  father!"  And  a  joyous  expres- 
sion overspread  the  countenance  of  the  sleeper;  but  it  soon 
faded  away,  and  he  appeared  angry,  and  his  lips  quivered. 
"No,  no,"  he  said,  with  a  faltering  tongue,  impeded  by  sleep, 
"  no,  father,  you  are  mistaken !  my  luck  does  not  resemble  the 
changing  seasons;  I  am  not  yet  in  autumn,  when  the  fruits 
drop  from  the  trees  and  winter  is  at  hand."  He  paused 
again,  and  his  face  assumed  the  expression  of  an  attentive 
listener.  "What!"  he  then  exclaimed  in  a  loud  voice,  "you 
say  my  family  will  leave  me,  and  betray  me  in  adversity? 
No,  that  is  impossible,  I  have  lavished  kindnesses  on  them, 
I —  He  paused,  and  seemed  to  listen  again.  "Ah,"  he  ex- 
claimed, after  a  short  interval,  starting  violently,  "that  is 
too  much!  All  Europe  is  unable  to  overthrow  me.  My 
name  is  more  powerful  than  Fate!" 

Awakened,  perhaps,  by  the  loud  sound  of  his  own  voice,  he 
opened  his  eyes  and  looked  around  uneasily.  "Ah,"  he  said, 
putting  his  hand  on  his  moist  forehead,  "what  a  terrible 
dream  it  was!  My  father  stood  before  me,  and  predicted 
what  would  befall  me.  He  prophesied  my  ruin!  He  cau- 
tioned me  against  my  relatives,  and  the  ingratitude  of  my 


32  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

marshals!*  It  is  the  second  time  that  this  is  predicted  to 
me,  and  just  as  I  now  saw  and  heard  my  father  in  my  dream, 
the  old  sorceress  spoke  to  me  by  the  pyramids  of  Egypt." 
And  the  emperor,  absorbed  in  his  reflections,  muttered  in  a 
hollow  voice:  "  'You  will  have  two  wives,'  said  the  Egyptian 
sorceress  to  me;  'your  first  wife  you  will  unjustly  desert. 
Your  second  wife  will  bear  you  a  sou,  but  your  misfortunes 
will  nevertheless  begin  with  her.  You  will  soon  cease  to  be 
prosperous  and  powerful.  All  your  hopes  will  be  disappointed ; 
you  will  be  forcibly  expelled,  and  cast  upon  a  foreign  soil, 
hemmed  in  by  mountains  and  the  sky.  Beware  of  your  rela- 
tives !  Your  own  blood  will  revolt  against  you !'  f  Nonsense," 
exclaimed  the  emperor,  quickly  raising  his  head;  "all  this  is 
folly.  The  palace,  with  its  weird  traditions,  has  infected  me, 
and  I  scent  ghosts  in  the  air,  and  transform  my  dreams  into 
prophecies.  I  will  retire !" 

For  the  second  time  he  approached  the  door  of  the  bed- 
room, but  suddenly  recoiled  and  stood  with  dilated  eyes.  In 
front  of  it  appeared  a  tall  female  figure,  her  arms  spread  out 
before  the  door,  as  if  she  wished  to  prevent  the  emperor  from 
passing  out.  A  long  white  dress  covered  her  slender  form,  a 
black  veil  concealed  her  bosom  and  her  erect  head ;  but  behind 
the  transparent  tissue  of  the  veil  was  a  pale,  beautiful  face, 
the  eyes  of  which  were  flashing  like  swords'  points.  Breath- 
less with  horror,  he  fixed  his  eyes  steadfastly  on  the  apparition, 
that  approached  him  now  with  uplifted  arms.  Trembling  in 
spite  of  himself,  he  drew  back,  and,  putting  his  hand  on  the 
back  of  the  easy-chair,  gazed  searchingly  at  the  approaching 
figure. 

"  You  dare  set  your  foot  into  the  house  of  the  Hohenzol- 
lerns?"  asked  the  spectre  in  a  hollow,  menacing  voice.  "  You 
come  hither  to  disturb  the  repose  of  the  dead?  Flee,  auda- 
cious man — flee,  for  destruction  is  pursuing  you ;  it  will  seize 
and  destroy  you!  Your  last  hour  has  come!  Prepare  to 
stand  before  your  Judge!" 

"Ay,  you  will  kill  me,  then,  beautiful  lady?"  asked  Napo- 
leon, sneeringly.  "  You  will  revenge  the  defeats  I  have  in- 
flicted on  the  descendants  of  Burgrave  Albert  the  Handsome, 
on  the  battle-fields  of  Jena,  Eylau,  and  Friedland?  In  truth, 
I  should  have  thought  that  beautiful  Cunigunda  of  Orla- 
munde  would  rather  welcome  me  as  a  friend,  for  was  it  not 
I  who  avenged  her  on  the  faithless  house  of  Hohenzollern?" 

*  "Le  Normand,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  421. 

t  This  prophecy  is  historical.— Vide  "Le  Normand,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  487. 


THE  WHITE  LADY  APPEARS  TO  NAPOLEON. 


NAPOLEON  A;ND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  33 

"  You  try  to  mock  me,"  said  the  spectre,  "  for  your  heart  is 
filled  with  doubt,  and  your  soul  with  pride.  But  beware, 
Bonaparte — beware,  I  tell  you  for  the  last  time — your  hour 
has  come,  and  every  step  you  advance  is  a  step  toward  your 
ruin.  Turn  back,  Bonaparte,  if  you  intend  to  be  saved,  for 
ruin  awaits  you  on  the  battle-fields  of  Eussia!  Turn  back, 
for  the  souls  of  your  victims  cry  to  God  for  vengeance,  and 
demand  your  blood  for  theirs — your  punishment  for  the  ruth- 
lessly destroyed  happiness  of  whole  nations !  Bonaparte,  es- 
cape from  the  soil  of  Germany,  and  dare  no  longer  to  set  foot 
upon  it,  for  disgraceful  defeats  are  in  store  for  you !  Return 
to  France,  and  endeavor  to  conciliate  those  who  are  cursing 
you  as  a  perjurer  and  renegade!" 

"  Who  are  they  who  dare  call  me  a  perjurer  and  renegade?" 
asked  Napoleon,  hastily. 

"Who  are  they?"  repeated  the  spectre,  advancing  a  step 
toward  the  emperor  and  fixing  her  menacing  eyes  upon  him. 
"  The  men  to  whom  you  once  vowed  eternal  fidelity,  and 
whom  you  called  your  brethren — Philadelphians!" 

The  emperor  started  in  terror,  and  his  cheeks  turned  livid. 
His  features,  which  had  hitherto  had  a  sneering,  scornful  air, 
were  now  gloomy,  and  he  stared  with  an  expression  of  un- 
disguised fear  at  the  lady  who  stood  before  him  in  an 
imposing  attitude,  with  her  arm  lifted  in  a  menacing  manner. 

"The  Philadelphians?"  asked  Napoleon,  timidly.  "I  do 
not  know  them." 

"You  do!"  said  the  spectre,  solemnly.  "You  do  know 
that  the  invisible  ones  are  watching  you,  and  will  punish  you 
because  you  have  broken  your  oath!" 

"  I  know  of  no  oath!" 

"  Woe  to  you  if  you  have  forgotten  it.  I  will  repeat  it  to 
you!  It  was  in  1789,  at  the  forest  of  Fontainebleau,  that  you 
appeared  at  the  meeting  of  the  brethren  and  requested  to  be 
initiated.  The  Philadelphians  admitted  you  into  their  league 
and  received  your  oath.  Shall  I  repeat  this  oath  to  you?" 

"  Do  so  if  you  can !" 

"  You  swore  that  never  again  should  a  freeman  obey  kings, 
and  that  death  to  tyrants  under  all  titles  and  in  all  govern- 
ments is  justifiable." 

"  That  was  the  formality  of  the  oath  of  every  club  and  secret 
society  at  that  time,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  contemptuously. 

"  But  the  Philadelphians  demanded  still  another  written 
oath  of  you.  It  read  as  follows :  '  I  consent  that  my  life  be 


34  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

taken  if  I  ever  become  reconciled  to  royalty.  In  order  to 
contribute  to  its  eradication  in  Europe,  I  will  make  use  of 
fire  and  sword,  and,  when  the  society  to  which  I  belong  asks 
me  to  do  so,  sacrifice  even  what  is  most  precious  to  me. '  You 
wrote  this  and  affixed  your  name  to  it  with  your  blood."  * 

"It  is  true,  I  did!"  muttered  Napoleon.  "I  was  a  fool, 
dreaming,  like  all  the  others,  of  the  possibility  of  a  republic." 

"You  were  a  believer,  and  have  become  a  renegade,"  ex- 
claimed the  spectre,  in  a  threatening  voice.  "  The  invisible 
ones  will  judge  and  punish  you,  unless  you  make  haste  to 
conciliate  them.  You  have  forgotten  that  you  stand  under 
the  yoke  of  the  Philadelphians.  The  Emperor  Napoleon  be- 
lieves that  he  has  power  to  blot  out  with  the  blood  of  subju- 
gated nations  the  words  of  the  sacred  oath  which  Lieutenant 
Bonaparte  swore  to  the  Philadelphians  in  the  forest  of  Fon- 
tainebleau. " 

"And  I  have  the  power  to  do  so!"  exclaimed  Napoleon, 
proudly.  "  I  stretch  out  my  arm  over  Europe,  and  she  bows 
before  me." 

"  But  the  Philadelphians  will  break  your  arm,  and  convert 
your  crowns  into  dust,  unless  you  make  haste  to  conciliate 
them,"  exclaimed  the  spectre.  "Turn  back,  for  it  is  yet 
time.  Keturn  to  France,  renounce  conquests:  France  wants 
no  more  wars;  she  is  cursing  the  tyrant  who  refuses  peace  to 
her  and  to  Europe.  There  has  been  bloodshed  enough. 
Take  an  oath  at  this  hour  that  you  will  renounce  your  am- 
bition, and  no  longer  pursue  a  career  of  crime  and  blood! 
Swear  that  you  will  return  to  France  to-morrow!" 

"Never!"  ejaculated  Napoleon,  vehemently,  and  coloring 
with  anger. 

"  Swear  that  you  will  return,  or  I  will  kill  you !"  cried  the 
spectre.  "I  will  kill  you  as  a  wolf.  Swear  that  you  will 
return !" 

"Never!" 

"Ah,  you  will  not  swear — you  prefer  to  die,  then,"  and  at 
a  bound  she  was  by  the  Emperor's  side,  grasped  him  with  iron 
hands,  and  threw  him  down  on  the  easy-chair.  "  You  prefer 
to  die !"  she  repeated  wildly,  tearing  the  black  veil  from  her 
head  and  showing  her  face  unveiled.  It  was  livid  as  that  of 
a  corpse,  the  bloodless  lips  quivering,  and  her  red  eyes  flam- 
ing with  rage. 

"You  prefer  to  die!"    exclaimed  the  spectre,  for  the  third 

*  "Le  Normand,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  516. 


NAPOLEON  AND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  35 

time.  "Well,  die!"  And  her  arms  encircled  Napoleon's 
breast  like  iron  rings,  her  glance  seemed  to  pierce  his  face, 
her  lips  opened  and  exhibited  terrible  teeth,  as  if  ready  to 
tear  his  breast.  The  emperor  was  unable  to  breathe ;  he  felt 
his  strength  giving  way,  and,  with  a  last  effort,  he  uttered  a 
shrill  cry  calling  for  help. 

"Sire,  sire,  awake!"  cried  an  anxious  voice  by  his  side. 
Napoleon  started  up,  and  violently  pushed  back  the  hand 
which  touched  his  arm.  "Who  is  there?"  he  asked,  angrily. 

"Sire,  it  is  I — Constant!"  said  the  faithful  valet  de  cham- 
bre.  "  I  heard  in  the  antechamber  your  majesty's  groans  and 
cries;  I  rushed  in  and  saw  you  writhing  on  the  easy-chair.  A 
bad  dream  seemed  to  torment  your  majesty,  and  I  therefore 
ventured  to  awaken  you." 

"And  I  am  glad  you  did,  Constant,"  said  the  emperor. 
"Ah,  my  friend,  what  a  terrible  dream  it  was!  The  White 
Lady  was  here;  she  threw  herself  upon  me  like  a  tigress;  she 
wanted  to  tear  me  and  drink  my  heart's  blood." 

"  Your  majesty  had  once  before  a  similar  dream,"  said  Con- 
stant, smiling. 

"  Where — where  was  it?"  asked  Napoleon,  hastily,  wiping 
the  cold  sweat  from  his  brow. 

"  Sire,  it  was  at  Erfurt,  when  the  Emperor  Alexander  was 
there."  * 

"  Yes,  I  remember,"  said  the  emperor,  in  a  low  voice.  "  It 
seems  this  bad  dream  returns  as  soon  as  I  approach  Alexan- 
der. Does  Fate  intend  to  warn  me?  Is  he  to  be  the  wolf 
that  will  one  day  lacerate  my  breast?  Ah,  it  was  an  awful 
dream,  indeed,  and  even  now  it  seems  to  me  as  really  seen  and 
heard."  He  glanced  around  the  gloomy  room.  Everything 
was  in  precisely  the  same  condition  as  when  he  had  entered  it. 
The  maps  lay  undisturbed  on  the  table  before  him ;  the  colored 
pins  stood  in  long  rows  like  little  armies,  and  opposite  each 
other,  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle.  But  the  tapers  had  burned 
down,  and  the  fire  was  nearly  extinguished.  Napoleon  rose 
shudderingly  from  his  easy-chair.  "I  will  go  to  rest,"  he 
said. 

Constant,  taking  a  candlestick,  preceded  the  emperor,  and 
opened  the  door  of  the  adjoining  room.  Fifteen  minutes 
afterward  Napoleon  was  in  bed,  and  Constant  and  Koustan 
had  withdrawn  into  the  antechamber. 

But  this  sleep  was  not  to  be  of  long  duration.     A  loud  cry, 

*  Constant,  "M6moires,"  rol.  iv.,  p.  79. 


36  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

uttered  by  his  master,  awakened  Constant,  and  caused  him  to 
rush  into  the  bedroom.  The  emperor  had  raised  himself  in 
bed.  "  Constant,"  he  said,  "  it  was  no  dream  this  time.  The 
White  Lady  was  here — I  saw  her  distinctly — I  had  not  fallen 
asleep,  my  eyes  and  all  my  senses  were  awake.  I  saw  the  tall, 
white  figure,  her  head  covered  with  the  black  veil,  at  the  wall 
there,  as  though  she  had  grown  from  the  ground.  At  a 
bound  she  was  at  my  bedside,  and  raised  her  hands.  I 
quickly  seized  her  and  called  for  you.  She  then  glided  from 
my  fingers  and  disappeared.  Like  General  d'Espagne,  I  say 
there  must  be  a  trap-door  somewhere  in  this  room.  Call 
Roustan,  take  lights,  and  examine  the  walls  and  the  floor." 

The  valet  de  chambre  hastened  to  fetch  Roustan;  they  took 
lights  and  made  a  thorough  examination,  but  in  vain.  The 
oaken  planks  of  the  floor  were  firmly  joined,  and  the  dark 
velvet  hangings  glued  to  the  walls. 

"Well,  then,  the  White  Lady  has  fooled  me  in  another 
dream,"  said  the  emperor.  "Go!  Let  us  sleep."  The  two 
servants  withdrew. 

About  an  hour  had  elapsed,  when  another  cry,  uttered  by 
the  emperor,  called  Constant  back  into  the  bedroom.  Seized 
with  dismay,  he  halted  at  the  door.  The  bed  was  in  the 
middle  of  the  room;  the  table  which  stood  beside  it  was  up- 
set, and  the  night-lamp  lay  thrown  on  the  floor. 

"I  hope  that  no  accident  has  befallen  your  majesty,"  said 
Constant,  rushing  toward  the  emperor. 

"No,"  said  Napoleon.  "But  this  accursed  white  spectre 
was  here  again.  It  wanted  to  treat  me  like  General  d'Es- 
pagne; to  upset  my  bed  and  throttle  me.  I  awoke  just  when 
this  horrible  monster  of  a  woman  pushed  the  bed  with  the 
strength  of  a  giant  into  the  middle  of  the  room.  I  called 
for  you,  and  she  disappeared.  As  the  White  Lady  apparently 
does  not  like  several  persons  to  be  in  the  room,  you  and  Rou- 
stan must  remain  here  to-night." 

"  And,  with  your  majesty's  leave,  each  of  us  will  hold  a 
pistol  in  his  hand,  that  we  may  fire  at  the  apparition  if  it 
return." 

"Ah,  my  friend,  you  know  little  of  the  power  of  spectres," 
said  Napoleon,  smiling.  "  When  you  have  fired  at  them,  they 
laugh  scornfully,  throw  the  bullet  back  to  you  and  pass  on 
entirely  uninjured.  That  is  their  fashion.  But  you  may 
take  your  pistols,  and  if  she  has  still  a  human  heart  in  her 
breast,  she  will  feel  some  respect  for  it." 


NAPOLEON  AND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  37 

And  the  White  Lady  really  seemed  to  have  a  human  heart. 
Constant  and  Eoustan,  who  sat  on  the  floor  beside  the  em- 
peror's bed  with  cocked  pistols,  waited  in  vain  for  the  return 
of  the  apparition.  Every  thing  remained  quiet;  nothing 
stirred  in  the  room,  where  the  emperor,  guarded  by  his  faith- 
ful servants,  now  at  last  enjoyed  repose. 

When  he  rose  on  the  following  morning,  his  face  was  even 
paler  and  gloomier  than  usual.  He  who  generally  on  being 
dressed  conversed  in  an  affable  manner  with  his  servants, 
remained  silent  and  grave  that  day,  and  muttered  only  oc- 
casionally, "  The  accursed  palace !  The  miserable  spectre- 
hole!"* 

Constant  and  Roustan,  having  finished  the  emperor's  toilet, 
were  about  leaving  the  room,  when  he  called  them  back  by  a 
gesture.  "  You  will  not  mention  any  thing  about  what  hap- 
pened here  last  night!"  he  said,  imperiously.  "If  I  find  out 
that  you  disobey  my  order,  I  shall  be  very  angry.  Go!"  And 
the  emperor  went  into  the  Gallery  of  Palms  in  order  to  receive 
the  reports  of  his  suite  and  give  the  usual  audiences.  With 
a  nod  and  a  dismal  look  he  greeted  Count  Munster,  who  in- 
quired, with  the  fawning  smile  of  a  true  courtier,  whether  his 
majesty  had  passed  an  agreeable  night. 

"  Your  castellan,  then,  has  not  informed  you  of  the  horri- 
ble noise  last  night  in  the  palace?"  asked  Napoleon,  angrily. 
''  You  ought  to  get  better  nails,  count,  to  hang  up  paintings, 
so  that  they  do  not  fall  down.  He  who  wants  to  hang  any- 
body or  any  thing,  even  though  it  be  but  a  painting,  ought 
to  have  at  least  a  substantial  gallows." 

"Sire,"  faltered  Count  Munster,  "I  do  not  comprehend — 
this  palace — " 

"  Is  not  even  fit  to  be  a  gallows,  for  it  drops  those  who 
have  been    hung  in    it,"  exclaimed    Napoleon,  vehemently 
"  It  is  an  accursed  place,  and  the  air  in  it  as  sultry  and   op 
pressive  as  in  a  rat-hole.     Have  the  carriages  brought  to  tin 
door.     Let  us  depart!"     He  did  not  deign  the  count  anothei 
glance,  and  returned  into  the  adjoining  room,  whither  none 
but  the  grand  marshal  and  his  adjutants  were  permitted  to 
follow. 

Fifteen  minutes  afterward,  the  emperor,  with  his  numerous 
suite,  left  the  palace  of  Baireuth  and  set  out  for  Plauen, 
where  he  intended  to  join  the  Empress  Maria  Louisa,  who 
had  stopped  there  over  night,  and  continue  with  her  the  jour- 

*  Historical.— Vide  Minutoli,  "  The  White  Lady,"  p.  17. 


38  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ney  to  Dresden.  The  streets  of  Baireuth,  which  had  pre- 
sented so  animated  a  spectacle  the  day  before,  were  at  this 
early  hour  quiet  and  deserted ;  all  the  windows  were  closed ; 
only  here  and  there  a  wondering,  inquisitive  face  appeared 
behind  the  panes  and  looked  at  the  carriages  that  rolled 
through  the  streets,  and  at  the  melancholy  countenance  of  the 
emperor,  who  sat  in  his  open  calash.  When  out  of  the  gate, 
he  turned  again,  and  cast  an  angry  glance  on  the  palace, 
whose  high  gray  walls  were  brightened  by  the  morning  sun. 
"An  accursed  old  palace!"  he  muttered  to  himself.  "I  shall 
never  spend  there  another  night."*  And  leaning  back  in  a 
corner  of  the  carriage  he  gazed  in  silence  at  the  sky. 

Count  Munster,  however,  stood  inside  the  palace  of  Bai- 
reuth, at  the  window  of  the  Gallery  of  Palms,  and  looked 
anxiously  after  the  emperor.  The  carriages  disappeared  at  a 
bend  in  the  road  behind  the  green  willows,  and  the  count 
turned  to  Castellan  Schluter,  who  was  standing  behind 
him. 

"But  tell  me,  for  Heaven's  sake,  Schluter,"  exclaimed  the 
count,  "what  did  the  emperor  refer  to?  What  happened  to 
him  last  night?" 

"  There  happened  to  him  what  will  happen  to  all  those  who 
dare  disquiet  the  White  Lady  of  Baireuth  or  defy  her  power," 
said  Schluter,  solemnly. 

"You  really  believe,  then,  that  she  appeared  to  him?" 
asked  the  count,  in  terror. 

"  The  emperor  sent  for  me  late  last  night,  and  again  this 
morning.  Shall  I  tell  your  excellency  what  it  was  for?  The 
portrait  of  the  White  Lady,  which  I  had  put  yesterday  into 
the  cabinet  adjoining  the  audience-hall  in  the  other  wing  of 
the  palace,  had  walked  over  to  this  side,  and,  in  the  room 
directly  above  the  emperor,  had  thrown  itself  down  with  so 
much  violence,  that  the  noise  resounded  through  the  whole 
building." 

"But  that  is  altogether  impossible,"  exclaimed  Count  Mun- 
ster, in  dismay.  "  Why,  you  told  me  that  the  portrait  was 
standing  in  the  other  wing  of  the  palace,  and  that  you  had 
carefully  locked  all  the  doors." 

"  But  I  told  your  excellency  also  that  locks  and  bolts  are 
unable  to  impede  her  progress,  and  that,  when  she  intends  to 
wander,  the  walls  open  to  her,  and  that  all  obstructions  give 
way.  The  air  wafted  her  over  to  the  enemy  of  her  house, 

*  Napoleon's  own  words.— Vide  Minutoli,  p.  17. 


NAPOLEON  AND  THE  WHITE  LADY.  39 

and,  by  the  thunder  of  her  wrath,  she  awakened  him  from 
his  slumber." 

"  And  that  was  the  reason  why  the  emperor  sent  for  you  last 
night?" 

"  Yes,  I  had  the  honor  of  narrating  to  him  the  history  of 
the  White  Lady,"  said  Schluter,  laughing  scornfully.  "  I  did 
so,  and  told  him  also  what  happened  here  to  General 
d'Espagne." 

"  But  did  you  not  say  the  emperor  has  sent  for  you  again 
this  morning?" 

The  castellan  nodded. 

"  Well,  what  did  he  want  again?" 

"  I  had  to  describe  to  him  the  costume  in  which  the  White 
Lady  is  in  the  habit  of  walking — her  dress,  her  veil,  her 
countenance — in  short,  I  had  to  tell  him  all  about  her  appear- 
ance. I  proposed  at  last  that  I  would  have  the  portrait 
brought  to  him,  that  he  might  himself  look  at  it;  but,  when 
I  did  so,  he  cast  a  furious  glance  on  me,  and  said  in  an  angry 
voice,  'No,  no,  I  do  not  want  to  see  it!  Let  me  alone  with 
your  doomed  portrait!'  *  In  truth,  I  believe  the  all-powerful 
emperor  was  frightened,  and  the  White  Lady  had  paid  him  a 
visit.  In  fact,  he  turned  quite  pale!"  And  Schluter  burst 
into  loud  and  scornful  laughter. 

Count  Munster  shook  his  head  gravely,  and  hastened  to 
leave  the  Gallery  of  Palms  and  the  haunted  palace. 

The  castellan  remained  there  and  listened  until  the  count's 
footsteps  died  away.  He  then  hurried  to  the  rooms  which 
the  emperor  had  occupied.  When  he  arrived  at  Napoleon's 
bedroom,  he  pushed  the  bed  aside,  and  stooped  down  to  the 
floor,  at  which  he  looked  with  searching  eyes.  "  It  is  all 
right!  Nothing  is  to  be  seen!"  he  muttered  to  himself.  "The 
White  Lady  will  yet  be  able  often  to  walk  here!"  He  burst 
into  loud  laughter  and  left  the  imperial  apartments  to  return 
to  his  own  rooms,  which  were  situated  on  the  ground-floor. 
"  I  will  now  put  away  my  dear  treasures,  that  no  uninitiated 
eye  may  behold  them,"  he  said,  carefully  locking  the  door. 
"Come,  my  mysterious  treasures!  Come!"  He  drew  from 
his  bed  a  long  white  dress,  a  small  cloak  trimmed  with  fur, 
and  a  long  black  veil,f  and  while  carefully  folding  up  these 
articles,  which  he  locked  in  a  trunk  standing  under  the  bed, 
he  sang  in  a  loud  and  merry  voice : 

*  Historical.— Vide  Minutoli,  p.  17. 

tThese  articles,  belonging  to  the  toilet  of  the  White  Lady,  were  found  in  Schlu- 
ter's  trunk  when  he  died,  in  1880.— Vide  Minutoli,  p.  17. 


40  NAPOLEON  AND  BLTJCHER 


Ein  Kors',  Ihr  kennt  den  Nameu  schon, 
Seit  vierzehn  Jahr  und  drttber, 
Spricht  alien  Nationen  Hohn, 
Giebt  Fiirsten— Nasensttiber, 
Stiirzt  Throne  wie  ein  Kartenhaus 
Und  treibt  das  Wesen  gar  zu  Kraus, 
Nicht  Bona — Malaparte !  "  t 


CHAPTER    IV. 

NAPOLEON  AT   DRESDEN. 

JOY,  happiness,  and  love,  reigned  at  the  court  of  the  King 
of  Saxony.  Napoleon  had  honored  the  royal  house  of  Saxony 
with  a  visit;  he  had  come  to  Dresden  to  spend  a  few  days  in 
the  family  circle  of  Frederick  Augustus,  whom  he  flatteringly 
called  his  "  cher  papa. "  He  had  also  come  to  embrace  his 
father-in-law,  the  Emperor  of  Austria,  before  setting  out  for 
Russia,  and  to  shake  hands  with  his  ally  the  King  of  Prussia; 
and,  finally,  to  gather  around  him  again  his  vassals,  the 
princes  of  the  Confederation  of  the  Rhine,  and,  in  the  face  of 
Europe,  to  receive  the  homage  of  kings,  emperors,  and 
princes. 

Amid  the  ringing  of  bells  and  the  light  of  torches,  Napo- 
leon and  Maria  Louisa  made  their  entry  into  Dresden.  The 
late  hour  of  the  night,  when  the  imperial  couple  arrived,  pre- 
vented the  population  from  greeting  them  with  cheers.  But 
the  good  people  of  the  Saxon  capital  were  not  to  be  deprived  of 
the  happiness  of  bidding  Napoleon  welcome,  and  seeing  his 
beautiful  young  empress.  The  court,  therefore,  arranged  a 
drive  in  open  calashes  on  the  day  after;  and  everywhere  on 
the  streets  through  which  the  procession  passed  the  people 
stood  in  vast  crowds.  The  windows  of  the  houses  were 
opened,  and  beautiful  ladies  looked  out  of  them.  The  im- 
perial and  royal  carriages  made  but  slow  headway,  for  thou- 
sands of  excited  spectators  preceded  them,  and  thousands  more 
surrounding  the  carriages  looked  up  with  inquisitive  eyes  to 

*  A  comic  song,  sung  in  Germany  in  1812. 
t  A  Corsicati — you  know  his  name — 

For  more  than  fourteen  years 
Has  scorned  the  nations,  to  their  shame, 

And  pulled  their  princes'  ears. 
He  plays  sad  tricks  upon  his  foes, 

And,  marching  with  his  guards, 
He  casts  down  kingdoms  as  he  goes 

Like  houses  made  of  cards, 
A  better  name  for  him  would  be 
Not  Bona,  but  .MaZa-parte 


NAPOLEON  AT  DRESDEN.  41 

the  distinguished  persons  who,  greeting  and  smiling,  bowed 
to  them  on  all  sides.  But  the  multitude  were  silent;  not  a 
cheer  resounded — not  a  "  Vive  Vempereur" — and  the  praise  of 
Napoleon,  that  was  uttered  by  the  lips  of  princes,  lacked  the 
wonted  accompaniment  of  popular  enthusiasm. 

Good-natured  King  Frederick  Augustus  felt  all  this  as  a 
rebuke  administered  to  himself,  as  a  reflection  on  his  hospi- 
tality, and  he  looked  with  an  expression  full  of  uneasiness  and 
affection  at  the  emperor,  who  was  sitting  beside  him.  But 
Napoleon's  countenance  was  as  calm  and  cold  as  it  always  was. 
Not  a  flash  of  inward  anger  was  seen  in  those  unfathomable 
eyes.  He  conversed  quietly  and  almost  smilingly  with  his 
consort,  the  Empress  Maria  Louisa,  and  did  not  even  seem  to 
notice  that  the  people  received  him  in  silence. 

"  Well,  he  shall  have  a  most  gratifying  compensation  at  the 
theatre  to-night,"  said  Frederick  Augustus  to  himself.  "  The 
audience  will  there  at  least  receive  the  great  Napoleon  with 
enthustiastic  cheers;  and  when,  on  his  return,  he  sees  all 
Dresden  glittering  in  the  illumination  that  is  to  take  place, 
he  will  have  to  admit,  after  all,  that  my  good  Saxons,  like 
their  king,  love  and  admire  him." 

King  Frederick  Augustus  was  not  mistaken. — The  vast  and 
brilliant  audience,  that  in  the  evening  assembled  at  the  royal 
theatre,  received  the  members  of  the  court,  on  their  appear- 
ance, with  deafening  cheers;  all  rose  from  their  seats  and 
shouted  with  constantly  recurring  enthusiasm,  "  Long  live 
Napoleon!  Long  live  the  Emperor  Francis!  Long  live  our 
dear  King  Frederick  Augustus !"  The  band  accompanied  these 
cheers,  the  ladies  waved  their  bouquets,  and  the  gentlemen 
their  hats  and  handkerchiefs,  and  when  this  outburst  sub- 
sided, hundreds  of  eyes  were  fixed  on  the  royal  box,  to  watch 
every  motion  of  Napoleon's  countenance,  and  admire  him  in 
the  circle  of  his  family;  for  this  large  gathering  of  princes 
and  kings  were  now  his  family,  and  the  son  of  the  Corsican 
lawyer  was  its  head.  There  was  the  Emperor  Francis  of  Aus- 
tria, who  had  arrived  but  a  few  hours  before,  to  greet  his  be- 
loved son-in-law,  whom  he  had  not  seen  since  the  battle  of 
Austerlitz.  The  emperor  was  accompanied  by  his  young  con- 
sort, the  Empress  Ludovica.  Every  one  knew  that  she  hated 
Napoleon ;  that  her  proud  heart  never  could  forgive  him  the 
humiliations  which  he  had  inflicted  on  Austria,  and  that  she 
had  consented  only  with  the  utmost  reluctance,  and  with  bit- 
ter tears,  to  the  marriage  of  her  step-daughter,  the  Arch- 
4 


42  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

duchess  Maria  Louisa,  with  the  conqueror  of  Austria.  And 
yet,  notwithstanding  her  hatred,  grief,  and  humiliated  pride, 
the  Empress  Ludovica  had  likewise  come  to  Dresden  to  wit- 
ness the  triumph  of  Napoleon,  to  be  the  second  lady  at  this 
court,  and  the  first  in  the  suite  of  the  Empress  Maria  Louisa. 
There  were  the  King  and  Queen  of  "Westphalia,  sister-in-law 
of  Napoleon  and  daughter  of  the  King  of  Wurtemberg,  who 
deemed  himself  happy  that  Napoleon  was  a  relative  of  his. 
There  were,  besides,  the  Grand-Duke  of  Wurzburg,  brother 
of  the  Emperor  Francis,  and  now  uncle  of  Bonaparte;  the 
Grand-Duke  of  Baden,  Napoleon's  nephew,  and  the  King  of 
Saxony,  the  cher papa  of  Napoleon;  and  finally,  the  crowd  of 
the  petty  German  princes  of  the  Confederation  of  the  Rhine, 
who  had  eagerly  hurried  to  Dresden  in  order  to  do  homage  to 
their  protector,  and  seek  after  new  gifts  of  territories  and 
titles  from  the  all-powerful  master  of  Germany.  But  these 
personages  formed  only  part  of  the  suite ;  no  one  paid  atten- 
tion to  them;  they  stood  humbly  and  modestly  in  the  back- 
ground, and  only  the  two  emperors  and  empresses,  the  Queens 
of  Saxony  and  Westphalia,  and  the  King  of  Saxony,  occupied 
front  seats.  The  King  of  Saxony  conducted  Napoleon  to  the 
first  gilded  easy-chair  on  the  right  side;  to  him  belonged  the 
seat  of  honor  here  as  everywhere.  He  was  first  in  the  line  of 
emperors  and  kings.  By  his  side  sat  Maria  Louisa,  sparkling 
with  diamonds,^  which  covered  her  head,  neck,  arms,  and  the 
golden  belt  around  her  slender  waist.  Her  countenance  was 
joyful,  and  never  had  she  feasted  her  eyes  on  her  husband 
with  more  heart-felt  pride  than  during  this  evening,  when, 
sitting  beside  him,  she  eclipsed  her  imperial  step-mother  in 
the  magnificence  of  her  toilet  and  the  splendor  of  her  rank. 
It  was  only  when  Napoleon  had  taken  his  seat  that  the  Em- 
peror and  Empress  of  Austria,  and  all  the  other  kings  and 
princes,  followed  his  example.  The  band  immediately  com- 
menced the  overture,  and  the  festive  cantata  began.  On  the 
stage  was  seen  the  radiant  temple  of  the  sun,  surrounded  by 
the  brilliantly-adorned  crowd  of  priests  and  priestesses.  They 
raised  their  arms,  not  to  the  temple  of  the  sun,  but  toward 
Napoleon's  box,  and,  amid  their  soul-stirring  chorus,  the 
high-priest  stepped  forth  from  the  temple.  Advancing  to  the 
edge  of  the  stage,  he  bowed  to  the  imperial  sun,  and  com- 
menced singing  in  a  powerful  voice, — "  The  sun  rises  gloriously 
on  the  firmament,  illuminating  and  heating  the  world ;  but 
thou,  his  greater  brother,  thou  conquerest  him,  and  he  drives. 


NAPOLEON  AT  DRESDEN.  43 

back  his  car,  acknowledging  that,  since  thou  art  here,  the 
world  needs  no  other  sun."  While  the  high-priest  sang  these 
words  the  temple  on  the  stage  suddenly  paled,  and  over  its 
entrance  the  following  words  appeared  in  large  letters  of 
gold :  "  Di  Lui  men  grande  e  men  chiaro  il  Sole."  * 

At  this  sight,  cheers  burst  from  all  sides  of  the  brilliantly 
decorated  house;  the  audience  rose  from  their  seats  and 
turned  toward  the  imperial  box  to  salute  Napoleon ;  the  Em- 
peror of  Austria,  the  King  of  Saxony,  and  the  princes  of  the 
Confederation  of  the  Rhine,  joined  in  the  applause.  But 
Napoleon,  to  whom  these  cheers  were  addressed,  did  not  even 
seem  to  notice  them.  He  had  suddenly  risen  and  -turned  his 
back  to  the  stage,  regardless  of  the  high-priest  and  his  em- 
phatic words.  Heedless  of  the  cheers  and  applause,  he  left 
his  place  and  hastened  to  the  Emperor  Francis,  who  was  sit- 
ting on  the  left  side,  close  to  the  two  empresses.  "  Sire,"  said 
Napoleon,  "  I  request  your  majesty  to  exchange  seats  with  me, 
and  pardon  me  for  erroneously  taking  the  chair  that  was  in- 
tended for  you." 

"No,  no;  it  is  no  mistake  at  all,"  exclaimed  the  Emperor 
Francis,  hastily.  "  It  is  all  right  as  it  is,  and  your  majesty 
must  stay  there,  for  that  easy-chair  is  the  seat  of  honor." 

"  That  is  precisely  the  reason  why  it  should  be  occupied  by 
your  majesty,  the  august  Emperor  of  Austria,  my  beloved  and 
revered  father-in-law,"  said  Napoleon,  bowing  his  head  lower 
than  he  had  ever  before  done  to  any  prince  in  the  world. 
"  Come,  sire,  permit  me  to  conduct  you  to  the  seat  that  is  due 
to  you  alone."  With  gentle  violence  he  took  the  emperor's 
hand  and  conducted  him  to  the  seat  at  the  right  side  of  Maria 
Louisa. 

"My  dear  Louisa,"  he  said,  turning  to  his  consort,  "I  re- 
nounce the  happiness  of  sitting  beside  you,  because  this  seat 
is  due  to  the  head  of  our  family,  the  father  of  my  consort, 
the  grandfather  of  my  son.  You  may  embrace  the  oppor- 
tunity to  tell  our  dear  papa  all  about  the  little  King  of  Rome." 
He  greeted  Maria  Louisa  with  a  beaming  smile,  and  then  re- 
paired to  the  seat  which  the  Emperor  Francis  had  occupied, 
at  the  left  side  of  the  Empress  Ludovica.  The  smile  was 
still  on  his  face;  he  sat  down  on  this  chair,  and,  turning  to 
the  empress,  his  mother-in-law,  asked  her,  almost  humbly,  if 
she  would  grant  him  the  happiness  of  sitting  by  her  side. 

*  "  Less  great  and  brilliant  than  he  is  the  sun. ' '  The  author  of  this  cantata,  per- 
formed in  honor  of  Napoleon,  was  Orlandi,  an  Italian;  Morlacchi  bad  composed 
the  music. 


44  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Ludovica  felt  flattered;  the  gentle,  suppliant  voice  of  the 
emperor,  his  smile,  and  flashing  eyes,  exerted  their  wonted 
charm  upon  her.  She  had  armed  her  heart  against  the  arro- 
gant master  of  the  world,  but,  before  the  kind  and  almost 
humble  bearing  of  Napoleon,  her  arms  sank  to  the  ground, 
and  she  who  had  hitherto  felt  nothing  but  hatred  against 
him,  regarded  him  now  with  mingled  astonishment  and 
admiration. 

Napoleon  seemed  to  have  read  the  depths  of  her  heart,  for 
his  face  grew  even  milder,  and  his  smile  more  fascinating. 
"Your  majesty  has  hated  me  intensely,  I  suppose?"  he  asked, 
in  a  low  voice.  "  Oh,  do  not  deny  it;  I  have  been  portrayed 
to  you  in  very  repulsive  colors'?" 

Ludovica  looked  at  him  admiringly.  "  I  must  confess, 
sire,"  she  said,  "  that  not  one  of  the  portraits  of  your  majesty 
which  I  have  seen,  is  like  you." 

"Oh,  I  believe  so,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  hastily;  "they 
have  always  painted  me  too  dark,  and  the  portraits  shown  to 
your  majesty  doubtless  have  been  of  that  description;  but  be- 
fore you,  madame,  the  Moor  would  like  to  wash  his  face,  and 
I  wish  you  could  see  me  painted  less  repulsively." 

"Sire,"  said  the  empress,  smiling,  "did  we  not  see  but  a 
few  minutes  since  that  your  image  is  even  more  radiant  than 
the  sun?" 

"Ah,  those  are  silly  coups  de  theatre,"  exclaimed  Napoleon. 
"  It  is  no  great  honor,  indeed,  to  surpass  the  splendor  of  a  sun 
made  out  of  paper.  If  the  lamplighter  had  approached  too 
close  to  it  it  would  have  burned,  while  I  think  that  I  can 
stand  in  fire  without  running  the  risk  of  perishing.  How- 
ever, the  fire  of  anger  flashing  from  your  eyes,  madame,  would 
annihilate  me,  and  I  pray  you,  therefore,  to  have  mercy  on 
me.  Pray,  let  us  be  frank.  Why  do  you  hate  me?"  He 
looked  at  the  empress  with  so  mild  and  smiling  an  expression, 
that  she  felt  confused  by  it,  and  a  faint  blush  suffused  her 
beautiful  face. 

"No,"  she  said,  in  a  low  voice,  "who  tells  you  that?  How 
would  it  be  possible  to  hate  the  man  to  whom  all  Europe  bows 
in  admiration?" 

"  I  have  put  my  foot  on  the  neck  of  Europe ;  I  have  tamed 
the  wild  horse,  and  it  acknowledges  me  as  its  master,"  said 
Napoleon,  proudly.  "  But  is  that  a  reason  why  you  should 
hate  me?  Let  all  lie  in  the  dust  before  me,  but  Austria  shall 
stand  erect  by  my  side,  for  the  Emperor  of  Austria  is  my 


NAPOLEON  AT  DRESDEN.  45 

father-in-law,  and  though  I  do  not  venture  to  say  that  the 
beautiful  young  Empress  of  Austria  is  my  mother-in-law,  I 
may  be  allowed  to  say  that  she  is  the  mother  of  my  consort, 
and  that  I  admire  and  esteem  her  with  all  my  heart.  Austria 
has  nothing  to  fear,  so  long  as  she  is  friendly  toward  me.  She 
ghall  share  my  triumphs;  and,  when  at  last  all  Europe  is 
prostrate,  the  Emperors  of  France  and  Austria  will  stand  side 
by  side,  and  divide  the  world  between  them." 

"  And  one  will  take  his  Herculaneum,  and  the  other  his 
Pompeii,"  said  the  empress,  sarcastically. 

"  Ah,  you  mean  to  say  that  the  world  we  shall  have  con- 
quered will  consist  only  of  ruined  cities  and  dead  subjects?" 
asked  Napoleon,  gloomily. 

"  Sire,"  said  Ludovica,  gently,  "  I  mean  that  when  Vesuvius 
shows  itself  to  the  wondering  world  in  its  whole  majesty  and 
beauty,  it  cannot  prevent  the  molten  lava,  which  rises  from 
its  crater,  as  a  natural  consequence,  from  rushing  down  ite 
sides,  and  spreading  everywhere  death  and  destruction." 

"  Well,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  smiling,  "  if  your  simile  is  cor- 
rect, the  molten  lava  will  soon  inundate  Russia,  and  carry 
terror,  death,  and  destruction  into  the  empire  of  the  arrogant 
czar." 

"Ah,  sire,"  said  Ludovica,  gravely,  "Russia  is  so  very  cold 
that  I  believe  even  the  fires  of  Vesuvius  would  be  extinguished 
there,  the  molten  lava  would  freeze,  or,  flowing  back,  injure 
Vesuvius  itself." 

"Oh,  no,  madame,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  hastily,  "Vesu- 
vius will  not  be  extinguished,  for  divine  fire  is  burning  in  its 
heart." 

"  And  Russia  will  not  thaw,  for  it  is  a  divine  frost  that 
freezes  every  thing  approaching  her,"  said  Ludovica,  gently. 

Napoleon  cast  on  her  one  of  his  quick,  angry  glances. 
"Madame,"  he  said,  "I — " 

At  this  moment  the  whole  audience  burst  into  loud  and 
enthusiastic  cheers,  and  shouted,  "Long  live  the  emperor! 
Long  live  the  hero  who  conquers  the  world!" 

Napoleon  interrupted  himself,  and  turned  his  eyes  toward 
the  stage.  The  temple  of  the  sun  was  still  dark,  but  a  new 
brilliant  light  was  beaming  over  it;  in  its  middle  was  the 
word  "Napoleon"  in  large  flaming  letters,  which  illumined 
the  whole  scene.  In  this  sight  the  audience  were  unable  to 
restrain  their  delight,  and  burst  into  the  deafening  cheers 
which  had  interrupted  Napoleon's  words. 


46  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

The  King  of  Saxony  was  evidently  pleased  with  this  out- 
burst of  enthusiasm.  "Now,"  he  thought,  "  the  great  Napo- 
leon will  forget  the  disagreeable  scene  of  this  morning.  The 
people  then  were  silent,  and  admired,  but  to-night  they  have 
recovered  their  speech ;  and  when  we  leave  the  theatre,  and 
behold  the  whole  city  in  a  flood  of  light,  Napoleon  will  feel 
convinced  that  my  subjects  love  him  sincerely. — But  what  is 
that?  The  emperor  rises.  Does  he  intend  already  to  leave 
the  theatre?"  And  he  hastened  to  Napoleon,  who  advanced 
toward  him.  "Let  us  leave,  sire,"  he  said.  "These  flatter- 
ies are  more  than  enough.  You  see  the  sun  has  set  here." 

"But  he  is  still  among  us,  sire,"  said  Frederick  Augustus. 
"  And  if  it  has  grown  dark  on  the  stage,  the  reason  is  simply, 
that  all  the  light  now  fills  the  streets  of  Dresden,  to  prove  to 
the  great  Napoleon  that  there  is  no  night  where  he  is — that 
his  presence  turns  darkness  into  light,  and  night  into  day." 

"Ah,"  said  Napoleon,  in  a  tired,  wearied  tone,  "an  illumi- 
nation then  has  been  arranged?" 

"  Sire,  my  people,  as  well  as  I,  cannot  find  words  to  utter  to 
your  majesty  the  transports  with  which  your  visit  has  filled 
our  hearts,  and  I  hope  you  will  see  this  in  the  lights  shining 
at  every  window.  I  request  your  majesty  not  to  return 
directly  to  the  palace,  but  first  ride  through  the  city." 

Napoleon  nodded  assent.  "Let  us  do  so,  cJier  papa,"  he 
said;  "let  us  take  a  look  at  your  illumination!"  He  offered 
his  arm  to  Maria  Louisa,  and  left  the  box  with  her.  The 
crowd  of  kings,  dukes,  and  princes,  followed  him  in  haste. 

As  the  King  of  Saxony  descended  the  staircase  with  his 
consort,  Chamberlain  von  Planitz  met  him  with  a  pale  and 
frightened  face. 

"Well,"  asked  the  king,  "I  suppose  the  illumination  has 
already  commenced?  It  must  be  a  splendid  spectacle!" 

"  Your  majesty,"  said  the  chamberlain,  in  a  low  voice,  "  the 
royal  palace  and  the  public  buildings  are  brilliantly  lit  up, 
but  the  houses  of  the  citizens  are  dark,  and  the  streets  are 
deserted." 

"But,"  exclaimed  the  king,  in  dismay,  "did  not  the  police 
command  the  citizens  to  illuminate  their  houses?" 

"Yes,  your  majesty,  the  police  have  done  their  duty." 

"  And  yet—" 

"And  yet,  sire,  all  the  houses  are  dark.  It  is  as  if  the 
whole  population  had  conspired  to  disobey  the  order.  The 
police  have  again  given  orders ;  they  received  everywhere  the 


NAPOLEON  AT  DRESDEN.  4? 

same  reply,  that  neither  oil  nor  candles  were  to  be  had  any 
where." 

"  The  stubborn  people  ought  to  have  been  told  that  they 
would  be  punished  for  this." 

"  The  police  tried  this,  too,  your  majesty,  threatening  that 
every  citizen  who  did  not  obey  should  be  fined  a  dollar,  and 
all  declared  their  readiness  to  pay  rather  than  illuminate." 

"That  is  open  rebellion,"  said  the  king,  sighing.  "The 
streets,  then,  are  dark?" 

"  Yes,  sire. " 

"  Then  we  must  not  take  the  intended  ride  through  the 
city,"  exclaimed  the  king,  anxiously.  "  Make  haste,  baron, 
countermand  the  ride,  and — " 

At  this  moment  the  first  carriage  rolled  from  the  portal. 
"  It  is  too  late,"  groaned  the  king.  "  The  emperor  has  already 
started.  He  will  witness  our  humiliation." 

"Possibly,  he  may  drive  immediately  to  the  palace,"  said 
the  queen.  "  He  seemed  tired  and  exhausted — " 

"No,  no,"  said  the  king,  "he  consented  to  see  the  illumi- 
ation,  and  the  outriders  are  instructed  accordingly.  I  myself 
marked  out  the  route.  But,  an  expedient  occurs  to  me. 
Quick,  Baron  von  Planitz!  Go  to  the  outrider  of  my  car- 
riage. Tell  him  to  follow  the  imperial  carriage  as  fast  as  he 
can  ride.  He  must  overtake  it,  though  his  horse  die  under 
him.  He  must  order  the  driver  to  turn  and  pass  down  Au- 
gustus Street  to  the  Linden,  and  then  slowly  across  the 
square,  to  the  palace.  Make  haste !"  The  chamberlain  has- 
tened to  carry  out  the  king's  orders. 

"And  we?"  asked  the  queen — "shall  we  also  follow  him?" 

"  No,  we  return  to  the  palace,  and  will  wait  for  him  there. 
The  others,  of  course,  will  follow  the  imperial  carriage,  and  I 
hope  we  shall  soon  see  the  two  emperors  again."  Profoundly 
sighing,  the  king  conducted  his  consort  to  the  carriage,  and 
drove  with  her  toward  the  palace.  A  flood  of  light  beamed 
upon  them  in  the  palace  square.  Huge  pillars,  covered  with 
festoons  of  colored  lamps,  stood  in  front  of  the  long  palace 
bridge,  and  were  connected  with  each  other  by  brilliant 
girandoles.  Four  similar  pillars  were  in  front  of  the  main 
portal  of  the  Catholic  church  at  the  entrance  of  Augustus 
Street.  Around  the  square  altars  were  erected,  on  which 
naphtha  was  burning.  On  the  royal  palace  the  Austrian  and 
French  coats-of-arms  displayed  all  their  colors  with  heraldic 
accuracy.  It  was  a  dazzling  spectacle,  and  even  the  king 


48  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

himself  rejoiced  at  the  beautiful  and  imposing  effect.  "  I 
think,"  he  said,  pointing  to  the  pillars,  "I  think  this  will  be 
agreeable  to  him." 

"Yes,  but  I  am  afraid  that  will  be  disagreeable  to  him," 
said  the  queen,  pointing  to  the  Neustadt,  lying  dark  on  the 
other  side  of  the  Elbe. 

"Heaven  grant  that  he  may  not  see  it!''  said  the  king, 
sighing;  he  then  leaned  back  and  closed  his  eyes  until  they 
halted  in  front  of  the  portal.  "  I  shall  remain  here  until  the 
emperors  arrive,"  he  added,  bowing  to  his  consort.  With 
anxious  eyes  he  gazed  upon  the  place,  and  listened  in  sus- 
pense to  any  distant  noise.  After  waiting  fifteen  minutes, 
the  roll  of  approaching  wheels  was  heard,  and  now  they  thun- 
dered across  the  square  and  entered  the  palace  portal.  King 
Frederick  Augustus,  hat  in  hand,  stepped  up  with  a  most 
submissive  air  to  the  first  carriage,  the  door  of  which  was  just 
opened  by  lackeys  in  gorgeous  liveries.  He  lifted  the  young 
empress  Maria  Louisa  out,  and  then  offered  his  hand  almost 
timidly  to  Napoleon  to  assist  him  also.  With  a  quick  wave 
of  his  hand  he  refused  assistance,  and  alighted.  Anger  was 
burning  in  his  eyes. 

"  We  left  the  theatre  at  an  earlier  hour  than  the  citizens 
expected,"  said  the  king,  timidly,  "  and  that  is  the  reason  why 
the  illumination  has  not  yet  generally  commenced." 

"Oh,  no,"  said  Napoleon,  in  a  petulant  voice;  "your 
illumination  is  magnificent;  as  to  the  inhabitants  of  Dresden, 
it  seems  to  me,  they  are  the  children  of  the  sun  that  we  saw 
at  the  theatre — their  lights  have  gone  out."  And  the  em- 
peror, coldly  bowing  to  the  king,  and  offering  his  arm  to  his 
consort,  walked  with  her  into  the  palace. 

"  He  is  not  in  good  humor,"  muttered  Frederick  Augustus, 
in  dismay.  Oh,  he  is  incensed  at  me!" 

At  this  moment  the  Emperor  Francis,  with  his  consort, 
met  him.  "A  very  pretty  idea,"  said  the  emperor,  with  a 
laughing  face,  "to  unite  the  coats-of-arms  of  Austria  and 
France  in  such  a  blaze  of  variegated  light!  It  gladdens  one's 
heart  to  behold  them.  I  thank  your  majesty  for  having  thus 
exhibited  my  coat-of-arms.  It  looks  admirably  by  the  side  of 
that  of  France." 


NAPOLEON'S  HIGH-BORN  ANCESTORS.  ±» 

CHAPTEE    V. 
NAPOLEON'S  HIGH-BORN  ANCESTORS. 

A  NEW  guest  had  arrived  at  Dresden  to  do  homage  to  Na- 
poleon— the  King  of  Prussia,  accompanied  by  the  young 
crown  prince,  and  Chancellor  von  Hardenberg.  The  two  in- 
imical friends,  the  Emperor  of  France  and  the  King  of 
Prussia,  met  for  the  first  time  at  the  rooms  of  the  Queen  of 
Saxony,  and  shook  hands  with  forced  kindness.  They  ex- 
changed but  a  few  words,  when  Napoleon  withdrew,  inviting 
the  king  to  participate  in  the  gala  dinner  and  ball  to  take 
place  that  day.  The  king  accepted  the  invitation  with  a 
bow,  without  replying  a  word,  and  repaired  to  the  Marcolini 
palace,  where  quarters  had  been  provided  for  him  and  his 
suite.  Not  a  member  of  the  royal  family  deemed  it  necessary 
to  accompany  him.  He  went  away  quietly  and  alone.  His 
arrival  had  not  been  greeted,  like  that  of  Napoleon  and  the 
Emperor  of  Austria,  with  ringing  of  bells  and  cannon  salutes, 
nor  had  the  soldiers  formed  in  line  on  both  sides  of  the  streets 
through  which  he  passed  on  entering  the  city.  The  court 
had  not  shown  any  attention  to  him,  but  allowed  him  to  make 
his  entry  into  Dresden  without  any  display  whatever. 

But  if  the  court  thought  they  might  with  impunity  violate 
the  rules  of  etiquette  because  Frederick  William  was  unfortu- 
nate, the  people  indemnified  him  for  this  neglect,  and  honored 
him.  Thousands  hurried  out  of  the  gate  to  cheer  him  on  his 
arrival,  and  escorted  him  amid  the  most  enthusiastic  acclama- 
tions to  the  royal  palace.  When  he  left  it  again,  the  crowd 
followed  him  to  the  Marcolini  palace,  and  cheered  so  long  in 
front  of  it  that  the  king  appeared  on  the  balcony.  It  is  true, 
the  anterooms  of  the  king  were  deserted ;  no  smiling  cour- 
tiers' faces,  no  chamberlains  adorned  with  glittering  orders,  no 
dignitaries,  no  marshals,  princes,  or  dukes,  were  there;  but 
below  in  the  street  was  his  real  anteroom — there  his  devoted 
courtiers  were  waiting  for  their  royal  master,  looking  up  to 
his  windows,  and  longing  for  his  coming.  The  smiles  with 
which  they  greeted  Frederick  William  were  no  parasites' 
smiles,  and  the  love  beaming  from  those  countless  eyes  waa 
faithful  and  true. 

Beneath  the  residence  of  Napoloen  the  people  did  not  stand, 


50  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

as  visual,  in  silent  curiosity  staring  at  the  windows,  behind 
which  from  time  to  time  the  pale  face  of  the  emperor  showed 
itself.  The  street  was  empty — those  who  formerly  stood  there 
were  now  joyously  thronging  in  front  of  the  King  of  Prussia's 
quarters ;  they  had  recovered  their  voices,  and  often  cheered 
in  honor  of  Frederick  William  III. 

The  anterooms  of  Napoleon  indeed  presented  an  animated 
spectacle.  A  brilliant  crowd  filled  them  at  an  early  hour; 
there  were  generals  and  marshals,  the  princes  of  the  Con- 
federation of  the  Rhine,  the  dukes,  princes,  and  kings  of 
Germany,  whom  Napoleon  had  newly  created — all  longing  for 
an  audience,  in  order  to  wrest  from  Napoleon's  munificence  a 
province  belonging  to  a  neighbor,  a  title,  or  a  prominent 
office.  Germany  was  in  the  hands  of  Napoleon,  and  to  bow 
the  lower  to  him  was  to  be  raised  the  higher.  In  these  rooms 
of  the  emperor  there  was  the  unwonted  spectacle  of  German 
sovereigns  soliciting  instead  of  granting  favors;  and,  instead 
of  being  surrounded  by,  were  themselves  courtiers,  who,  in 
the  most  submissive  manner,  sought  the  intercession  of  adju- 
tants and  chamberlains,  to  procure  admission  to  the  imperial 
presence  and  favor. 

And  all  these  courtiers  gave  vent  to  their  love  and  admira- 
tion for  Napoleon  in  terms  of  the  most  extravagant  praise. 
They  spoke  with  prophetic  ecstasy  of  the  fresh  laurels  that 
Napoleon  was  to  bind  upon  his  brow,  and  of  Alexander's  mad- 
ness to  resist  a  conqueror  destined  to  make  new  triumphs  for 
the  glory  of  France  and  the  humiliation  of  Russia.  Yet, 
when  two  or  three  of  these  expectant  gentlemen  stood  in  some 
window-niche,  and  believed  themselves  beyond  the  reach  of 
indiscreet  ears,  they  dared  to  ask  each  other,  in  a  low  and 
anxious  tone,  whether  all  this  splendor  would  not  soon  vanish 
as  a  meteor — whether  one  might  not  see  the  aurora  of  a  new 
day  dawning — whether  the  battles  into  which  Napoleon  was 
about  to  plunge  so  recklessly  would  not  result  in  the  downfall 
of  him  whom  they  publicly  extolled,  but  secretly  cursed. 
But,  to  these  whispered  questions  the  brilliant  anterooms,  the 
marshals  of  the  empire,  crowned  with  victory,  the  dukes  and 
princes,  the  court  of  Napoleon,  composed  of  the  sovereigns  of 
Germany,  made  a  triumphant  reply.  Secret  hope  could 
hardly  survive  in  the  recollection  of  the  greatness  and  invari- 
able good  fortune  of  Napoleon,  and  they  who  desired  the 
humiliation  of  the  conqueror  yielded  to  submission.  Return- 
ing to  the  crowd  of  princely  courtiers,  they  renewed  their 


NAPOLEON'S  HIGH-BORN  ANCESTORS.  51 

enthusiasm,  and  joined  in  the  plaudits  of  Napoleon's  ad- 
mirers. 

When  the  emperor,  with  Maria  Louisa,  entered  the  room, 
all  pressed  forward,  anxious  to  receive  a  glance,  a  smile,  or 
a  pleasant  salutation.  Eank  and  etiquette  were  overlooked ; 
there  was  but  one  master,  one  sovereign,  to  whom  all  were  doing 
homage.  Rushing  toward  him,  each  one  tried  to  outstrip  the 
other;  and  many  a  high  dignitary,  prime  minister,  prince, 
duke,  or  king,  was  pushed  aside  by  an  inferior.  Napoleon 
stood  in  the  centre  of  the  room,  uttering  words  of  condescend- 
ing affability  to  the  fortunate  men  nearest  him. 

Suddenly  cheers  resounded  in  the  streets,  rattling  the 
window-panes.  Napoleon  looked  in  the  direction  of  the 
windows.  "  What  is  that?"  he  asked,  turning  to  the  Duke  de 
Bassano. 

"  Sire,"  said  the  duke,  "  the  good  people  of  Dresden  are  im- 
patient to  see  their  imperial  majesties  of  France,  and  pay 
them  their  respects." 

More  deafening  shouts  were  heard.  Napoleon  smiled,  and 
hastily  walking  with  his  consort  through  the  circle  of  the 
courtiers  stepped  to  the  open  window.  He  frowned  as  he 
looked  down.  An  immense  crowd  had  gathered  below,  but 
their  faces  were  not  turned  toward  the  windows  of  the  royal 
palace,  and  their  cheers  were  not  intended  for  the  emperor. 
The  multitude  crossed  the  square,  and  in  their  midst  drove 
slowly  an  open  carriage  surrounded  by  the  enthusiastic  people. 
In  this  carriage  sat  the  King  of  Prussia,  to  whom  were  given 
the  loud  greetings  mistaken  by  Napoleon.  He  understood  it 
at  a  glance,  and,  stepping  back  from  the  window  with  the 
empress,  turned  to  Grand-Marshal  Duroc,  who  was  standing 
by  his  side.  "See  that  the  populace  go  home,"  he  said,  has- 
tily, "  and  that  they  no  longer  disturb  the  people  of  the  city 
by  indecent  and  riotous  proceedings.  I  do  not  wish  to  hear 
any  more  yelling  near  the  palace!" 

Duroc  bowed,  and  withdrew  to  instruct  the  police  officers 
not  to  tolerate  any  similar  conduct  on  the  part  of  the  citizens. 
The  emperor  meanwhile  turned  to  Duke  Augustus  of  Gotha, 
who  had  just  succeeded  in  penetrating  through  the  ranks  of 
courtiers,  with  his  broad  shoulders  and  colossal  form. 

"Ah,  you  are  back  again,  duke?"  asked  the  emperor, 
kindly.  "Did  you  attend  thoroughly  to  your  government 
affairs?" 

"I  did,  sire,"  said  the  duke,  nearly  bowing  to  the  ground, 


52  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

and  then  seizing  the  emperor's  hand  to  press  it  to  his 
lips. 

"  Well,  I  must  confess  that  you  accomplished  your  task 
with  great  rapidity.  Was  it  not  three  days  since  you  took 
leave  of  us  to  go  to  Gotha?" 

"  Yes,  sire,  I  set  out  three  days  ago. " 

"  And  you  are  back  already !  You  performed  the  trip  and 
your  official  business  in  so  short  a  time !  How  large  is  your 
duchy,  then?" 

"Sire,"  said  the  Duke  of  Gotha,  quickly,  "it  is  as  large  as 
your  majesty  commands  it  to  be."  * 

Napoleon's  smile  was  reflected  in  the  faces  of  those  seeking 
his  favors. 

At  this  moment  the  doors  of  the  outer  anteroom  opened, 
and  on  the  threshold  appeared  the  grave  and  dignified  form  of 
King  Frederick  William.  The  courtiers,  with  an  impatient 
expression,  receded  anxiously,  as  though  afraid  of  contact  with 
this  unfortunate  man,  who  had  no  territories,  no  riches,  no 
honors  to  offer  them,  but  had  come  as  a  vassal  to  pacify  the 
wrath  of  Napoleon,  and  save  at  least  a  remnant  of  his  king- 
dom. But  the  king  did  not  come  with  craven  heart;  he  did 
not  hasten  his  approach  to  the  emperor  with  fawning  sub- 
missiveness,  but  slowly,  with  his  head  proudly  erect,  and  a 
grave  air. 

Napoleon  received  him  with  a  haughty  nod.  "Your 
majesty,  you  must  have  had  a  troublesome  drive  from  your 
quarters  to  the  royal  palace,"  he  said  harshly.  "I  noticed 
that  the  gaping  crowd  were  thronging  about  your  carriage 
and  annoying  you." 

"Pardon  me,  sire,"  said  the  king,  "the  people  did  not 
annoy  me.  They  did  me  the  honor  of  bidding  me  welcome, 
and  this  was  the  more  generous,  as  I  am  not  one  of  those  who 
are  favored  by  Fortune.  But  the  German  people  yield  some- 
times to  generous  impulse,  and  show  thereby  how  little  they 
know  of  the  etiquette  and  sagacity  of  courtiers." 

While  uttering  these  words,  the  king  glanced  with  his 
clear,  calm  eyes — in  which  a  slightly  sarcastic  expression  was 
to  be  seen — at  the  multitude  of  brilliantly  adorned  and  dis- 
tinguished gentlemen  who  tried  to  get  as  far  as  possible  from 
him.  Napoleon  smiled.  He  himself  despised  sycophancy 
sufficiently  to  be  pleased  with  this  rebuke.  But  his  severe 
look  returned,  and  he  gazed  with  some  indignation  upon  the 

*This  reply  is  historical. 


NAPOLEON'S  HIGH-BORN  ANCESTORS.  53 

tall  form  of  the  King  of  Prussia.  He  noticed  that,  while 
himself  appeared  in  silk  stockings  and  buckled  shoes,  the  king 
had  come  in  long  trousers  and  boots. 

"Your  majesty,  doubtless,  was  not  informed  that  there 
would  be  a  ball  after  the  banquet?"  asked  Napoleon,  pointing 
to  the  king's  boots. 

"  I  was,  sire,  but  since  the  death  of  my  consort  I  have  not 
danced." 

"But  etiquette,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  vehemently,  "eti- 
quette is — " 

"  Sire,"  interrupted  the  king,  in  a  calm  and  dignified  tone, 
"  etiquette  is  intended  for  parasites  and  people  of  the  court, 
and  it  is  very  proper  for  them  to  adhere  to  it.  But  a  sover- 
eign king,  I  should  think,  has  a  right  to  diregard  it,  and  fol- 
low the  promptings  of  his  own  inclinations." 

The  door  of  the  anteroom  opened  again,  and  the  grand 
marshal  appeared  to  announce  dinner.  The  emperor  offered 
his  arm  to  Maria  Louisa,  preceded  by  the  high  dignitaries  and 
the  officers  of  his  household,  and  followed  by  the  swarm  of 
princes  and  gentlemen  of  the  courts.  The  King  of  Prussia, 
taking  the  place  to  which  his  rank  entitled  him,  walked  on 
the  other  side  of  the  empress,  and  entered  the  dining-hall  at 
the  same  time  with  Napoleon,  amid  the  notes  of  the  imperial 
band.  Napoleon  walked  with  his  consort  to  his  guests,  who 
were  waiting  for  him  in  the  centre  of  the  hall — the  Emperor 
and  Empress  of  Austria,  and  the  King  and  Queen  of  Saxony. 

The  banquet  was  a  distinguished  one,  and  the  French  cooks 
of  Napoleon's  household  had  displayed  all  their  culinary  skill 
to  satisfy  the  palate  of  even  the  most  fastidious  epicures. 
Napoleon,  as  usual,  gave  his  guests  but  little  time  to  revel  in 
the  delicacies  prepared  for  them.  Scarcely  half  an  hour  had 
elapsed  since  the  commencement  of  the  dinner,  when  he  rose, 
and  thereby  gave  the  signal  that  the  gala-dinner  was  at  an 
end. 

The  Emperor  Francis,  who  was  almost  always  in  good 
humor,  could  not  refrain  from  frowning,  and,  after  offering 
his  arm  to  his  consort  to  conduct  her  to  the  saloon,  where 
coffee  was  to  be  served,  he  muttered,  "  I  do  not  know,  but  it 
seems  to  me  that  the  Emperor  Napoleon  eats  too  little." 

"  And  yet  he  has  so  hearty  an  appetite,  that  he  is  able  to 
swallow  and  digest  the  territories  of  sovereigns,"  whispered 
the  Empress  Ludovica,  with  a  sneer.  "  He  is  now  as  satisfied 
as  an  anaconda  after  devouring  an  ox. " 


54  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Yes,  but  we  poor  mortals  are  still  hungry,"  said  Francis, 
thoughtfully.  "It  does  not  do  us  any  good  that  his  appetite 
is  satisfied." 

"  There  will  be  a  day  when  our  hunger  shall  be  appeased, 
and  he  starve,"  said  the  empress. 

"Hush!"  whispered  Francis,  "not  a  word  against  him! 
He  is  my  son-in-law,  Ludovica.  And,  besides,  he  has  an  ap- 
petite strong  enough  yet  to  swallow  another  ox." 

"He  will  get  it  in  Kussia,  I  suppose?"  said  Ludovica, 
quickly. 

"  Yes,"  said  Francis.  "  He  explained  his  whole  plan  to  me 
and  Metternich  for  over  an  hour  to-day,  and  proved  to  us  that 
four  weeks  hence  there  would  be  no  Russian  emperor;  that 
Russia  would  fall  to  ruins  and  decay.  He  dwelt  on  a  great 
many  other  things,  and  told  us  of  gigantic  schemes,  which,  to 
tell  the  truth,  I  did  not  comprehend  very  well.  Let  me  con- 
fess to  you,"  he  whispered,  standing  near  the  door  of  the 
reception-room,  "that  his  words  almost  frightened  me.  His 
heart  may  be  all  right,  but  as  to  his  head,  I  am  afraid  there  is 
something  wrong  about  it."  * 

Ludovica  smiled.  "Do  you  believe,  then,  my  husband, 
that  he  has  really  a  heart?"  she  asked.  "  But  as  to  his  head, 
the  princes  and  nations  of  Europe,  I  hope,  will  soon  find  an 
opportunity  to  set  it  right." 

"Hush!"  said  Francis  again ;  "he  is  my  son-in-law." 

"  And  because  he  is  your  son-in-law,  your  majesty  should 
hesitate  no  longer  to  deliver  to  him,  or  rather  to  his  consort, 
the  precious  gift  which  you  ordered  for  her,  and  which  arrived 
to-day." 

"It  is  true,"  exclaimed  Francis.  "Let  us  at  once  present 
the  gift  to  Maria  Louisa." 

He  entered  the  saloon  and  hastily  approached  his  daughter, 
who  stood  with  Napoleon  in  the  centre  of  the  room,  and  was 
just  handing  him  a  cup  of  coffee,  to  which  she  herself  had 
added  sugar  and  cream,  f 

"Louisa,"  said  Francis,  kindly  nodding  as  he  approached 
her,  "  I  have  a  little  gift  for  you,  which  I  hope  will  be  accept- 
able. I  ordered  it  several  months  since,  but  when  we  set  out 
from  Vienna  it  was  not  ready.  To-day,  however,  it  has  ar- 
rived, and,  as  we  are  now  in  a  family  circle,  I  may  as  well 

*The  emperor's  own  words. — Vide  Hormayer's  "Lebensbilder,"  vol.  iii. 

t  The  Empress  Josephine,  in  her  tender  care  for  Napoleon,  who  frequently  for- 
got to  take  his  coffee,  was  in  the  habit  of  preparing  a  cup  for  him  after  dinner^ 
and  presenting  it  to  him,  Maria  Louisa  had  adopted  Josephine's  habit. 


NAPOLEON'S  HIGH-BORN  ANCESTORS.  55 

present  it  to  you.  That  is  to  say,"  added  the  emperor,  bow- 
ing to  Napoleon,  "if  your  majesty  permits  me  to  do  so." 

"  Your  majesty  was  right  in  saying  that  we  are  here  a 
family  circle,"  said  Napoleon,  smiling;  "  and  as  the  father  is 
always  the  head  and  master,  I  have  nothing  to  permit,  but 
only  to  pray  that  your  majesty  may  make  what  present  your 
love  has  chosen  for  her." 

''And  I  assure  you,  father,"  exclaimed  Maria  Louisa,  smil- 
ing, "  I  am  as  anxious  to  know  what  you  have  for  me  as  I  was 
at  the  time  when  I  was  a  little  archduchess,  and  when  your 
majesty  promised  me  a  surprise.  Let  me,  therefore,  see  your 
gift." 

Francis  smiled,  and,  walking  to  the  open  door  of  the  ad- 
joining room  (where  the  dukes,  who  did  not  belong  to  the 
imperial  family,  the  princes,  the  marshals,  and  courtiers,  were 
assembled),  made  a  sign  to  one  of  the  gentlemen,  who  stood 
near  the  door.  The  latter  immediately  left  the  room,  and 
returned  after  a  few  minutes  with  an  oblong,  narrow  some- 
thing, carefully  wrapped  in  a  piece  of  gold  brocatel,  which  he 
presented  to  the  emperor  with  a  respectful  bow.  Francis  took 
it  hastily,  and  approached  Maria  Louisa  with  a  solemn  air. 
"'Here,  Louisa,"  he  said,  kindly,  "here  is  my  present.  It 
will  show  you  what,  it  is  true,  every  day  proves  to  admiring 
Europe,  namely,  that  genuine  royal  blood  is  flowing  in  the 
veins  of  your  husband. " 

Maria  Louisa  opened  the  covering  with  inquisitive  im- 
patience, and  there  appeared  under  it  a  golden  box,  orna- 
mented with  diamonds  and  pearls.  "  What  magnificent 
diamonds!"  she  exclaimed.  "What  skilful  work!"  gsid  Na- 
poleon, smiling. 

"The  box  was  made  by  Benvenuto  Cellini,"  said  Francis; 
"  it  was  highly  prized  by  my  lamented  father,  the  Emperor 
Leopold,  who  brought  it  from  Florence  to  Vienna.  But  that 
is  not  the  principal  thing — the  contents  are  more  important. 
Here  is  the  key,  Louisa;  open  the  box!"  He  handed  her  a 
golden  key,  and  Maria  Louisa  applied  it  to  the  key-hole, 
adorned  with  large  oriental  turquoises.  Around  her  stood 
the  Emperor  and  Empress  of  Austria,  the  King  and  Queen  of 
Saxony,  the  King  of  Prussia,  and  the  Grand-duke  of  Wurz- 
burg ;  Napoleon  was  close  beside  her.  All  eyes  were  expres- 
sive of  curiosity  and  suspense.  Nothing  was  there  but  a  roll 
of  parchment.  Maria  Louisa  unfolded  it,  "A  pedigree!" 
she  exclaimed,  wonderingly. 


56  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Yes,  a  pedigree,"  said  the  Emperor  Francis,  merrily,  "but 
a  very  precious  and  beautiful  one,  which  you  may  put  into 
the  cradle  of  the  little  King  of  Rome,  and  from  which  he 
may  learn  his  letters.  Sire,"  he  then  added,  turning  to  Na- 
poleon, "your  majesty  must  allow  me  to  add  another  jewel  to 
your  imperial  crown.  I  mean,  this  pedigree.  It  proves 
irrefutably  that  your  majesty  is  the  descendant  of  a  glorious 
old  sovereign  family,  which  ruled  over  Treviso  during  the 
middle  ages.  Signer  Giacamonte,  the  most  renowned  gene- 
alogist in  all  Italy,  devoted  himself,  at  my  request,  for  a 
whole  year  to  this  study,  and  succeeded  in  proving  that  the 
Bonaparte  family  is  of  ancient  and  sovereign  origin." 

"That  is  a  splendid  discovery,"  exclaimed  Maria  Louisa, 
with  delight ;  "  my  little  King  of  Rome,  consequently,  has  a 
very  respectable  number  of  distinguished  ancestors?" 

"  More  than  fifty!"  exclaimed  her  father,  proudly.  "  Look 
here ;  this  is  the  founder  of  the  whole  family,  the  Duca  di 
Buon  et  Malaparte;  he  lived  in  the  twelfth  century." 

He  pointed  to  the  genealogical  trunk  of  the  beautifully 
painted  and  ornamented  pedigree,  of  which  Maria  Louisa  held 
the  lower  end,  while  the  King  and  Queen  of  Saxony  oblig- 
ingly took  hold  of  the  upper  end.  The  King  of  Prussia  stood 
beside  them  and  witnessed  this  strange  scene  with  a  scarcely 
perceptible  smile,  while  the  Empress  Ludovica  looked  with 
undisguised  scorn  into  the  joy-excited  countenance  of  her 
step-daughter.  Napoleon  surveyed  the  faces  of  all  present 
with  a  rapid  glance,  and  an  expression  of  sublime  pride  over- 
spread his  countenance. 

"Look,"  exclaimed  the  Emperor  Francis,  bending  over  the 
pedigree,  "there  is  his  name!  There  is  the  founder  of  Na- 
poleon's family." 

At  this  moment  Napoleon  laid  his  hand  gently  on  his  shoul- 
der. "  Oh,  no,"  he  said,  "the  founder  of  that  family  stands 
here." 

"Where,  then?"  asked  Francis,  eagerly,  still  bending  over 
and  looking  for  the  name. 

"  If  your  majesty  desires  to  see  him,  you  must  be  so  kind  as 
to  avert  your  eyes  from  that  piece  of  parchment,  and  turn 
them  toward  me,"  said  Napoleon,  raising  his  voice. 

Francis  looked  up  and  gazed  wonderingly  upon  his  son-in- 
law.  Napoleon  smiled ;  it  was  a  triumphant  smile.  "  I,  and 
I  alone,  am  the  founder  of  Napoleon's  family,"  he  said,  slowly 
and  solemnly.  "  I  am  the  ancestor  of  those  who  bear  my 


NAPOLEON'S  DEPARTURE  FROM  DRESDEN.     57 

name.  The  King  of  Koine  needs  no  other,  unless  it  be  that 
your  majesty  should  count  every  victory  which  his  father 
gained  an  ancestor,  and  compose  his  pedigree  from  the  laurels  i 
have  obtained  in  Europe  and  Africa.  My  son  has  a  right  to  de- 
spise ancestors  invisible  in  the  darkness  of  by-gone  centuries, 
whom  history  does  not  mention,  while  the  vainest  genealogy 
can  scarcely  discover  that  they  lived  and  died.  My  grandsons 
and  great-grandsons  need  not  seek  the  name  of  the  founder  of 
their  family  on  decayed  parchments  and  confused  pedigrees; 
they  only  need  read  the  pages  of  history.  They  will  also  find 
it  at  night  in  the  marshalled  host  of  heaven,  where  twinkles 
a  star  which  science  names  Napoleon.  I  think,  sire,  that  star 
will  never  set ;  it  will  illuminate  the  path  of  your  grandson 
better  than  the  lamp  flickering  in  the  tombs  of  mouldering 
ancestors." 

Maria  Louisa  at  the  first  words  of  Napoleon  withdrew  her 
hands  from  the  pedigree,  and  stood  half  sullen  and  ashamed 
by  the  side  of  her  husband.  The  royal  couple  of  Saxony  has- 
tened to  roll  up  the  pedigree  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  put 
it  back  into  the  golden  box. 

Napoleon  offered  his  arm  to  his  consort.  "  Come,  ma- 
dame,"  he  said,  "let  us  go  to  the  ball-room."  While  he  was 
walking  away  with  her,  the  Emperor  Francis  turned  to  Lu- 
dovica,  and,  tapping  his  forehead,  whispered  cautiously,  "  I 
was  right!  There  is  something  wrong  in  Napoleon's  head." 


CHAPTER    VI. 
NAPOLEON'S  DEPASTURE  FROM  DRESDEN. 

THE  brilliant  court  ball  ended,  and  Napoleon  retired  to  his 
cabinet.  He  seemed  more  careworn  than  he  had  ever  allowed 
any  of  his  attendants  to  notice.  He  was  slowly  walking  his 
room,  casting  an  occasional  glance  on  the  map  marked  with 
the  positions  of  the  various  corps  now  near  the  frontiers  of 
Eussia.  "Narbonne  has  not  yet  arrived,"  he  muttered  to 
himself.  "  Alexander  seems  really  to  hesitate  whether  to 
make  peace  or  not.  My  four  hundred  thousand  men,  who 
have  reached  the  Niemen,  will  frighten  him,  and  he  will  sub- 
mit as  all  the  others.  He  will  not  dare  to  bid  me  defiance ! 
He  will  yield!  He — "  Suddenly  Napoleon  paused  and 
stepped  hastily  to  the  window  on  which  he  had  happened  to 


58  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

fix  his  eyes.  A  strange  spectacle  presented  itself.  The  large 
square  directly  in  front  of  his  windows,  which  on  the  day  of 
his  arrival  had  been  so  splendidly  lit  np,  was  dark  and  silent; 
but,  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  the  Neustadt  was  now  in 
a  flood  of  light,  and  it  seemed  to  him  as  if  he  heard  cheers. 
He  opened  the  window,  and,  leaning  out,  saw  the  houses 
illuminated — even  the  residences  of  the  neighboring  Palace 
Street.  These  houses,  like  those  in  the  other  parts  of  the 
city,  had  given  previously  no  token  of  joy,  and  remained  in 
darkness.  The  emperor  shut  the  window  angrily  and  rang 
the  bell.  "  Tell  the  grand  marshal  I  wish  to  see  him,"  he  said 
to  the  footman. 

A  few  minutes  afterward  Duroc  entered.  "Duroc,"  ex- 
claimed the  emperor,  in  an  angry  voice,  and  pointing  his  arm 
at  the  window,  "what  is  the  meaning  of  that  illumination? 
In  whose  honor  is  it?" 

"  Sire,"  said  Duroc,  slowly,  "  I  suppose  it  is  in  honor  of  the 
King  of  Prussia,  who  arrived  to-day." 

The  emperor  stamped  on  the  floor,  and  his  eyes  flashed. 
"The  inhabitants  of  Dresden  are  rebels,  and  ought  to  be 
brought  to  their  senses  by  bomb-shells!"  he  shouted,  in  a 
thundering  voice.  "  What  does  the  King  of  Prussia  concern 
them?  And  why  do  they  show  him  this  honor?" 

"Sire,"  said  Duroc,  smiling,  "the  people,  as  the  King  of 
Prussia  said  to-day,  know  but  little  of  etiquette,  and  are  not 
so  wise  as  courtiers." 

"'People!'"  growled  Napoleon.  "There  are  no  'people;' 
there  are  only  subjects,  and  they  ought  to  be  punished  with 
fire  and  sword  if  they  think  of  playing  the  part  of  'the  peo- 
ple.' Did  I  not  issue  orders  to-day  to  the  effect  that  all 
demonstrations  should  be  prohibited?  Why  were  my  orders 
disobeyed?" 

"  Sire,  they  were  obeyed  so  far  as  it  was  in  our  power.  The 
police  managed  to  prevent  the  populace  from  gathering  and 
shouting  in  the  street,  but  they  are  unable  forcibly  to  enter 
the  houses,  because  the  inmates,  without  making  any  further 
demonstration,  placed  a  few  lights  at  their  windows.  Our 
agents,  nevertheless,  went  to  the  proprietors  of  some  of  the 
houses,  and  asked  for  the  reason  of  this  sudden  and  unexpected 
demonstration.  They  replied  that  it  was  in  honor  of  the 
Emperor  Napoleon,  the  guest  of  their  king." 

"The  villains!  They  dare  to  falsify!"  exclaimed  Napo- 
leon. "  The  facts  are < against  .them.  On  ihfi  .day  w-lwm  they 


NAPOLEON'S  DEPARTURE  FROM  DRESDEN.    59 

were  to  illuminate  in  honor  of  my  arrival,  all  the  houses  were 
gloomy  as  the  grave,  on  account  of  hostility  to  me.  The  same 
feeling  is  the  reason  of  to-day's  illumination.  It  seems, 
then,  that  the  king  of  Prussia  is  exceedingly  popular  in 
Saxony?" 

"  Yes,  sire.  The  king,  as  I  positively  know,  had  instructed 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Prussian  places  through  which  he  had 
to  pass  on  his  journey  to  Dresden,  not  to  receive  him  in  any 
formal  manner  whatever;  but,  of  course,  he  was  unable  to 
issue  such  orders  in  regard  to  the  cities  and  villages  of  Saxony. 
Well,  so  soon  as  he  crossed  the  Saxon  frontier,  he  was  every- 
where received  in  the  most  ardent  manner.  All  the  bells  were 
rung  in  the  towns  of  Jtiterbogk  and  Grossenhayn  on  his  ar- 
rival, and  the  whole  population,  headed  by  the  municipal 
authorities,  and  all  the  other  functionaries,  came  to  meet  him 
on  the  outskirts  of  the  towns,  and  cheered  him  in  the  most 
jubilant  manner." 

"  And  how  did  he  receive  these  honors?" 

"  He  thanked  the  citizens,  in  plain  and  simple  words,  for 
the  disinterested  respect  they  were  good  enough  to  pay  to  a 
German  prince." 

"A  German  prince?"  repeated  Napoleon,  vehemently; 
"  ah,  this  little  King  of  Prussia  still  braves  me !  I  was  too 
generous  at  Tilsit!  I  must  cut  his  wings  still  shorter!  I 
will  show  him  what  the  French  emperor  can  do  with  a  Ger- 
man prince,  when  he  dares  to  bid  me  defiance!" 

"Sire,"  said  Duroc,  in  a  suppliant  voice,  "I  beseech  your 
majesty  not  to  go  too  far !  The  King  of  Prussia  is  backed  by 
the  sympathies  of  the  whole  German  nation.  His  misfortunes 
cause  the  people  to  look  on  him  as  a  martyr.  They  also  be- 
lieve that  he  participates  but  reluctantly  in  this  Russian  war, 
and  this  increases  the  love  with  which  they  regard  him,  for  I 
venture  to  say  to  your  majesty  that  this  nation  is  opposed  to 
the  war." 

"  I  have  not  appointed  the  German  nation  my  secretary  of 
war,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  "and  I  have  not  asked  my  grand 
marshal  to  give  me  his  advice.  Carry  out  my  orders,  and  do 
your  duty.  Tell  Berthier  to  come  to  me !" 

Duroc  hung  his  head  mournfully,  and  turned  toward  the 
door.  The  flaming  eyes  of  Napoleon  followed  him.  Just  as 
the  grand  marshal  opened  the  door,  he  heard  the  emperor 
calling  him.  "Sire?"  he  asked,  turning,  and  standing  at 
the  door.  There  was  now  beaming  so  much  love  and  mildness 


60  NAPOLEON  AND   BLUCHER. 

in  the  emperor's  face,  that  Duroc  was  unable  to  resist,  and, 
as  if  attracted  by  a  magnetic  power,  returned. 

"Duroc,  my  old  friend,"  said  Napoleon,  offering  him  his 
hand,  "  I  thank  you  for  your  good  advice,  for,  though  I  did 
not  ask  it,  it  was  well  meant.  I  know  full  well  that  the  so- 
called  German  people,  as  well  as  their  princes,  however  they 
may  cajole  me,  are  opposed  to  this  war.  Oh,  I  know  those 
treacherous  princes!  I  know  that  those  who  flatter  me  to- 
day in  the  most  abject  manner,  are  only  watching  for  an 
opportunity  to  avenge  themselves  for  their  sycophancy ;  but  I 
have  chained  them  to  me  with  iron  bands,  and  extracted  their 
teeth,  so  that  they  are  unable  to  bite — their  teeth,  that  is  to 
say,  their  soldiers,  whom  I  am  taking  with  me  into  this  last 
and  decisive  war.  For  I  tell  you,  Duroc,  it  will  be  our  last 
campaign.  On  the  ruins  of  Moscow  I  will  compel  Alexander 
to  submit,  and  then  peace  will  be  restored  to  Europe  for  years 
to  come.  And  who  knows,  it  may  not  be  necessary  to  go  so 
far?  Perhaps  it  may  be  sufficient  for  me  to  march  my  army 
as  far  as  the  Niemen,  to  awaken  Alexander  from  his  reveries, 
and  bring  him  to  his  senses." 

"Alas,  sire!"  said  Duroc,  sighing,  "Alexander  has  loved 
your  majesty  too  tenderly  not  to  feel  irritated  in  the  highest 
degree." 

"Is  it  I,  then,  who  broke  this  friendship?"  exclaimed  Na- 
poleon, vehemently.  "Is  it  I  who  brought  about  this  war? 
Have  I  not  rather  resorted  to  all  means  in  order  to  avoid  it? 
Have  I  not  twice  sent  Lauriston  to  Alexander,  and  offered 
him  peace  in  case  he  should  fulfil  my  conditions :  to  shut  his 
ports  against  British  ships,  to  lay  an  embargo  upon  British 
goods,  and  give  up  commercial  intercourse  with  England? 
But,  emboldened  by  his  victories  over  the  Turks,  the  Emperor 
of  Eussia  takes  the  liberty  of  dictating  conditions  to  me!  He 
asks  me  to  give  him  an  indemnity  for  confiscating  the  states 
of  his  brother-in-law,  the  Prince  of  Oldenburg;  he  demands 
that  I  should  not  engage  to  reestablish  the  kingdom  of 
Poland !  He  wants  to  impose  on  me  the  terms  by  which  peace 
is  to  be  maintained!  Conditions!  I  am  the  man  to  make 
them,  but  not  to  accept  any!  That  would  be  a  humiliation  1 
could  not  submilj  to !  You  see,  therefore,  Duroc,  I  have  beer 
compelled  to  enter  upon  this  war;  I  did  not  seek  it,  but  3 
cannot  avoid  it.  You  see  the  justice  of  it,  do  you  not?  You 
know  that  I  desired,  and  am  still  desiring  peace,  and  that  it 
is  with  a  heavy  heart  I  shed  the  blood  of  my  brave  soldiers." 


NAPOLEON'S  DEPARTURE  FROM  DRESDEN.  61 

"Sire,"  said  Duroc,  with  a  faint  smile,  "  I  see  at  least  that 
it  is  too  late  now  to  speak  of  peace,  inasmuch  as  an  army  of 
four  hundred  thousand  men  is  waiting  on  the  Niemen  for  the 
arrival  of  your  majesty. " 

"Let  Alexander  speak;  let  him  accept  my  terms,  and  it 
will  not  be  too  late,"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "  I  am  looking 
for  Narbonne,  who  may  arrive  at  any  moment.  He  will  bring 
us  either  peace  or  war,  for  he  will  have  Alexander's  final 
reply.  As  soon  as  he  arrives  he  must  be  admitted,  no  matter 
whether  I  am  asleep  or  awake.  Go,  now,  Duroc !  Tell  Ber- 
thier  to  come  to  me!" 

When  Berthier  entered,  the  emperor  was  standing  at  the 
window,  and  looking  over  to  the  Neustadt,  which  was  still  in 
a  blaze  of  light.  The  marshal  remained  respectfully  at  the 
door,  waiting  to  be  addressed.  A  long  pause  ensued.  Sud- 
denly Napoleon  turned  his  pale  countenance  to  Berthier,  and 
exclaimed:  "Berthier,  you  will  set  out  immediately.  Go  to 
Berlin,  and  convey  my  order  to  the  Duke  de  Belluno.  Tell 
him  that  I  recommend  the  utmost  vigilance,  and  that  it  is 
his  task  to  maintain  order  in  Prussia.  The  population  of  that 
country  are  very  seditious.  They  are  constantly  ready  to  con- 
spire and  rise  in  rebellion,  and  who  knows  whether  Frederick 
William  will  not  make  common  cause  with  the  insurgents? 
This  ought  to  be  prevented  by  all  means;  war  is  at  hand; 
hence  we  must  redouble  our  firmness  and  vigilance,  that  no 
revolution  may  annoy  us  in  our  rear.  You  will  repeat  all  this 
to  the  duke,  and  take  him  my  instructions." 

"Sire,"  said  Berthier,  "if  your  majesty  has  no  furthe." 
orders,  I  shall  set  out  immediately." 

"  You  will  tell  the  Duke  de  Belluno  that  it  is  my  will 
that  no  Prussian  general  or  officer  shall  command  at  Ber- 
lin, and  that  the  French  general  alone  must  give  all  nec- 
essary orders.  Sit  down ;  I  will  dictate  to  you  the  other  in- 
structions." 

Berthier  took  a  seat  at  the  desk,  and  waited,  pen  in  hand, 
for  the  emperor's  words.  Casting  again  a  glance  on  the  city 
honoring  the  King  of  Prussia,  he  dictated :  "  Special  care  is 
to  be  taken  that  neither  at  Berlin  nor  in  its  vicinity  shall 
there  be  a  depot  of  small- arms  or  cannon,  which  the  populace 
might  take  possession  of.  No  Prussian  troops  whatever  shall 
be  left  at  Berlin,  and  what  few  regular  soldiers  remain  at  the 
capital  shall  exclusively  perform  the  military  service  at  the 
palace.  The  French  troops  at  Berlin  shall  not  be  lodged  with 


62  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  citizens,  but  take  up  their  quarters  at  the  barracks,  and, 
if  these  should  be  insufficient  for  their  accommodation,  en- 
camp in  the  open  field.  You  will  constantly  keep  some  field- 
pieces  ready  for  immediate  use,  in  order  to  suppress  any 
seditious  movements  that  might  take  place.  Every  insult 
heaped  upon  a  Frenchman  will  be  punished  by  a  court-martial 
according  to  the  laws  of  war.  Besides,  it  is  necessary  that 
the  governor-general  of  Berlin  should  organize  a  secret  police, 
that  he  may  know  what  is  going  on,  and  have  a  vigilant  eye 
on  all  dangerous  attempts  at  disturbing  the  public  peace. 
You  will  inform  the  Duke  de  Belluno  that  the  administration 
of  the  country  will  be  entirely  left  to  the  king's  ministers, 
but  that  the  surveillance  of  the  newspapers,  as  well  as  all  other 
publications,  and  the  whole  organization  of  the  police,  must 
be  in  the  duke's  hands,  that  nothing  may  give  a  dangerous 
impulse  to  the  people,  and  that  they  may  have  no  opportuni- 
ties of  entering  into  a  rebellion.  Prussia  must  be  kept  down 
by  all  means  at  our  command.  You  will  tell  the  Duke  de 
Belluno  that  I  have  given  orders  that  three  or  four  well- 
informed  French  officers  should  stay  at  Colberg  and  Graudenz, 
The  right  of  having  a  Prussian  garrison  was  reserved  only  to 
Colberg,  and  Potsdam  is  the  only  city  through  which  the 
French  troops  are  not  allowed  to  pass;  but  the  inhabitants  of 
Potsdam  should  be  accustomed  to  see  many  French  officers  in 
their  midst.  The  latter  must  frequently  stop  there  overnight 
on  the  pretext  of  seeing  the  city,  and,  if  their  own  curiosity 
should  not  impel  them  to  do  so,  their  commander  should  in- 
duce them  to  pursue  the  course  I  have  indicated.  The  duke 
shall,  under  all  circumstances,  show  the  greatest  deference  to 
the  King  of  Prussia,  and  even  to  affectation  at  festivals  and 
on  all  public  occasions.  He  shall,  besides,  frequently  invite 
to  his  table  the  Prussian  ministers,  and  what  few  Prussian 
officers  will  be  left  at  Berlin,  and  always  treat  them  in  the 
most  polite  and  obliging  manner.  But  at  all  hours  a  vigilant 
eye  must  be  had  on  the  king  as  well  as  on  the  authorities  and 
the  people,  and  the  duke  ought  always  to  be  ready  to  put 
down  the  slightest  demonstration  or  disorder.  I  have  done," 
said  Napoleon.  "  Go,  Berth ier,  and  comply  carefully  with 
my  instructions.  No  confidence  can  be  reposed  in  Frederick 
"William  or  in  his  people.  We  have  subjugated  Prussia,  but 
it  may  perhaps  be  necessary  to  crush  her.  At  the  slightest 
provocation  this  must  be  done;  if  she  will  not  be  an  honest 
ally.,  I  will  prove  to  her  that  I  am  an  honest  enemy,  and,  to 


NAPOLEON'S  DEPARTURE  FROM  DRESDEN.     63 

give  her  this  proof,  put  an  end  to  her  existence.  Go,  Ber- 
thier;  set  out  immediately. " 

Berthier  withdrew,  while  Napoleon  returned  to  the  window 
with  a  triumphant  air.  "Ah,  my  little  King  of  Prussia,"  he 
said,  scornfully,  "  they  kindle  lights  here  under  my  eyes  in 
honor  of  your  petty  majesty,  but  my  breath  can  extinguish 
them  and  leave  you  in  a  profound  darkness.  Another  such 
provocation,  and  your  throne  breaks  down.  Another — " 

The  door  of  the  antechamber  was  hastily  opened,  and  Eou- 
stan  appeared.  "Sire, "he  said,  "his  excellency  Count  de 
Narbonne  requests  an  audience." 

"Narbonne!"  ejaculated  Napoleon,  joyously.  "Come  in, 
Narbonne,  come  in!"  And  he  hastened  to  meet  the  count, 
who  entered  the  cabinet,  and,  as  an  experienced  cavalier  of 
the  court  of  Louis  XVI.,  made  his  bows  in  strict  accordance 
with  etiquette, 

"Omit  these  unnecessary  ceremonies,"  said  Napoleon, 
quivering  with  impatience  and  anxiety.  "I  have  been  look- 
ing for  you  a  long  time.  What  results  do  you  bring  me?" 

"Sire,"  said  the  count,  with  his  imperturbable,  diplomatic 
smile,  "  I  am  afraid  the  result  of  my  mission  will  be  war." 

"What!"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  eagerly,  and,  for  a  moment, 
a  faint  blush  tinged  his  cheeks.  "What!  The  Emperor 
Alexander  will  not  yield?  He  refuses  to  comply  with  my 
conditions?" 

"  Sire,  your  majesty  will  permit  me  to  repeat  to  you  the 
emperor's  own  words,"  said  the  count,  with  composure. 
"  When  I  had  laid  your  propositions  before  his  majesty,  and 
told  him  that  if  the  czar  should  shut  his  ports  against  British 
ships,  continue  the  war  with  England,  lay  an  embargo  on  all 
British  goods,  and  give  up  all  direct  and  indirect  commercial 
intercourse  with  England,  your  majesty  then  would  make 
peace  with  Russia,  the  Emperor  Alexander  exclaimed  vehe- 
mently, '  Such  a  peace  I  would  accept  only  after  having  been 
forced  into  the  interior  of  Siberia!'  "  * 

"Ah,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  "I  will  give  him  the  pleasure 
of  that  journey.  He  will  become  acquainted  with  Siberia, 
and  there  I  mean  to  dictate  terms  of  peace,  unless  I  prefer  to 
leave  him  there  forever.  Did  you  bring  any  other  dis- 
patches?" 

"  I  did,  sire.     Here  is  the  official  reply  of  Minister  Count 

*  Alexander's  own  words. — Vide  "M6moires  d'un  Homnie  d'fitat,"  vol. 
p.  375. 


84  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Komanzoff  to  the  letter  of  the  Duke  de  Bassano,  of  which  I 
was  the  bearer.  It  is  nothing  but  a  repetition  of  the  phrases 
which  the  Kussian  ambassador  at  Paris  made  to  us  up  to  the 
day  of  his  departure.  Here  is  Eomanzoff's  letter.  Will  your 
majesty  be  so  gracious  as  to  read  it?" 

Napoleon  took  the  paper  and  glanced  over  it.  "  You  are 
right,"  he  said,  flinging  the  paper  contemptuously  on  the 
table.  "Nothing  but  the  same  phrase:  'Alexander  wants 
peace,  but  is  unable  to  fulfil  my  conditions.'  "Well,  then,  he 
shall  have  war!  The  first  shot  discharged  at  my  soldiers  will 
be  answered  by  a  thousand  cannon,  and  they  will  announce  to 
the  world  that  Napoleon  is  expelling  the  barbarians  from 
Europe." 

"Sire,"  said  Narbonne,  smiling,  "if  your  majesty  intends 
to  wait  until  the  Kussians  fire  the  first  gun,  there  will  be  no 
war,  and  may  it  be  so!  The  Emperor  Alexander  has  made 
up  his  mind  not  to  take  the  initiative.  Only  when  the  armies 
of  your  majesty  have  crossed  the  frontier  of  Russia,  when  you 
have  forcibly  entered  his  states,  will  Alexander  look  upon  the 
war  as  begun,  but  he  will  not  carry  it  beyond  the  boundaries 
of  his  country :  he  will  not  meet  the  enemy,  whom  he  would 
still  like  so  much  to  call  his  friend,  outside  the  frontiers  of 
his  empire." 

"Ah,  I  knew  well  that  Alexander  is  hesitating,"  exclaimed 
Napoleon,  triumphantly.  "  He  dares  not  attack  me,  and  his 
vacillation  will  give  me  time  to  complete  my  preparations, 
and  surround  him  so  closely  that  he  cannot  escape.  While 
he  is  still  dreaming  at  the  Kremlin  of  the  possibility  of  peace, 
I  shall  be  at  the  gates,  and  ask  him  in  the  thunder  of  my 
cannon  whether  he  will  submit,  or  bury  himself  beneath  the 
ruins  of  his  throne." 

"He  will  choose  the  latter,"  exclaimed  Narbonne,  quickly. 

"  He  will  not!"  said  Napoleon,  proudly.  "  He  will  submit! 
A  terrible  blow  struck  in  the  heart  of  the  empire,  Moscow — 
holy  Moscow — 'delivers  Eussia  into  my  hands.  I  know  Alex- 
ander; I  exerted  formerly  great  influence  over  him.  I  must 
dazzle  his  imagination  by  boldness  and  energy,  and  he  will 
return  to  my  friendship." 

"  Heaven  grant  that  it  may  be  so!"  said  Narbonne,  sighing. 

"It  is  so!"  said  Napoleon,  confidently,  walking  with  rapid 
steps  and  proud  head ;  "  yes,  it  is  so !  Fate  has  intrusted  me 
with  the  mission  of  ridding  Europe  of  the  barbarians.  The 
logic  of  events  necessitates  this  war,  and  even  family  ties, 


NAPOLEON'S  DEPARTURE  FROM  DRESDEN.     65 

such  as  we  proposed  to  form  at  our  interview  at  Erfurt,  would 
not  have  prevented  it.  The  barbarism  of  Eussia  is  threaten- 
ing the  whole  of  Europe.  Think  of  Suwarrow  and  his  Tar- 
tars in  Italy!  Our  reply  ought  to  be,  to  hurl  them  back 
beyond  Moscow;  and  when  would  Europe  be  able  to  do  so, 
\mless  now  and  through  me."  * 

"  But,  sire,  Europe,  in  the  madness  of  her  hatred,  would 
prefer  to  make  common  cause  with  Kussia.  Suppose  she 
should  offer  her  hand  to  the  Tartars  and  Cossacks,  to  deliver 
herself  from  the  yoke  which  the  glory  and  greatness  of  Napo- 
leon have  imposed  upon  her  neck?  Sire,  at  this  decisive  hour 
you  must  permit  me  to  tell  you  the  truth :  I  am  afraid  the 
hatred,  the  cunning  malice  and  rage  of  your  enemies,  will 
this  time  be  stronger  than  the  military  skill  of  your  majesty  s 
and  the  bravery  of  the  hundreds  of  thousands  who  have  fol< 
lowed  you  with  such  enthusiasm.  Your  majesty  says  that 
Alexander  is  hesitating,  and  that  may,  perhaps,  be  true ;  but 
his  people  are  the  more  resolute,  and  so  is  the  emperor's  suite. 
They  are  bent  on  having  war,  and  with  the  whole  strength  oj 
mortal  hatred  and  patriotic  fanaticism.  The  people,  insti- 
gated by  their  venomous  and  impassioned  priests,  regard  this 
as  a  holy  war,  commanded  by  God  Himself.  Their  priests 
have  told  them  that  the  Emperor  of  the  French  is  coming 
with  his  armies  to  devastate  Russia,  to  destroy  the  altars  and 
images  of  the  saints,  and  to  dethrone  the  czar,  in  order  to 
place  himself  on  the  throne.  The  Russian  people,  who,  in 
their  childlike  innocence,  believe  to  be  true  whatever  their 
priests  tell  them,  feel  themselves  profoundly  wounded  in  their 
most  sacred  sympathies/:  love  for  the  fatherland,  the  church, 
and  the  czar,  and  they  are  rising  to  a  man  to  save  them. 
Sire,  this  war  which  your  majesty  is  about  to  commence  is  no 
ordinary  war :  the  enemy  will  not  oppose  you  in  the  open 
field  ;  like  the  Parthian,  he  will  seemingly  flee  from  his  pur- 
suer ;  he  will  decoy  you  forward,  but  in  the  thicket  or  ravine 
he  will  conceal  himself,  and  when  you  pass  by  will  have  you 
at  an  advantage.  He  will  never  allow  you  to  fight  him  in  a 
pitched  battle,  but  every  village  and  cottage  will  be  an  ob- 
stacle, a  rampart  obstructing  your  route.  Every  peasant  will 
regard  himself  a  soldier,  and  believe  it  his  bounden  duty  to 
fight,  however  sure  he  may  be  to  die.  Sire,  the  terrible  scenes 
in  Spain  may  be  renewed  in  Russia,  for  all  Russia  will  be  a 
vast  Saragossa;  women,  children,  and  old  men,  will  partici- 

*  Napoleon's  own  words.— Vide  "Souvenirs  du  Comte  Villemain,"  vol.  i.,  p.  16a 


66  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

pate  in  this  struggle;  they  will  die  eating  poisoned  bread 
with  the  enemy,  rather  than  give  him  wholesome  food." 

"You  are  exaggerating!"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  sneeringly. 
"In  truth,  it  is  mere  imagination  to  compare  the  Russian 
serf — the  blood  in  whose  veins  is  frozen  by  Siberian  cold,  and 
whose  back  is  cut  up  and  bowed  by  the  knout — with  the  Span- 
iard, passionate  and  free  beneath  a  torrid  sun,  and  who  in  his 
rags  still  feels  himself  noble  and  a  grandee.  But  these  exag- 
gerations shall  not  influence  me !  The  die  is  cast :  I  cannot 
recede!  Great  Heaven!  this  tedious  old  Europe!  I  will 
bring  from  Russia  the  keys  to  unlock  a  new  world.  Or  do 
you  believe,  you  short-sighted  little  men,  that  I  have  under- 
taken, merely  for  the  sake  of  Russia,  this  greatest  expedition 
that  military  history  will  ever  engrave  upon  its  tablets?  No; 
Moscow  is  to  me  but  the  gate  of  Asia!  My  route  to  India 
passes  that  way.  Alexander  the  Great  had  as  long  a  route  to 
the  Ganges  as  I  shall  have  from  Moscow,  and  yet  he  reached 
his  destination.  Should  I  shrink  from  what  he  succeeded  in 
accomplishing?  Since  the  days  of  St.  Jean  d'Acre  I  have 
thought  of  this  scheme;  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  discontinu- 
ance of  the  siege  and  the  plague,  I  should  at  that  time  have 
conquered  one-half  of  Asia,  and  have  thence  returned  to 
Europe  for  the  thrones  of  Germany  and  Italy.  Do  not  look  at 
me  so  wonderingly,  Narbonne.  I  tell  you  nothing  but  my 
real  schemes.  They  shall  be  carried  into  effect,  and  then  you 
and  the  world  will  have  to  acknowledge  that  my  words  are 
oracles,  my  actions  miracles,  nnd  every  day  a  new  one!*  In 
the  morning  I  set  out  early  and  repair  to  the  headquarters  of 
my  army.  Do  not  say  a  word,  Narbonne!  I  leave  Dresden 
early  in  the  morning.  The  fate  of  Russia  is  decided!  Go!" 
He  waved  his  hand  toward  the  door,  and  turned  his  back  to 
Narbonne. 

The  count  left  the  imperial  cabinet  with  a  sigh.  In  the 
corridor  outside  he  met  Berthier  and  Duroc,  who  seemed  to 
await  him.  "  Well,"  both  of  them  asked  eagerly,  "  were  your 
representations  successful?  "Will  the  emperor,  at  the  eleventh 
hour,  make  peace?" 

Narbonne  shook  his  head  sadly.  "It  was  all  in  vain,"  he 
replied.  "  He  wishes  war,  and  you  do  not  even  dream  how 
far  he  means  to  carry  it.  When  listening  to  him,  one  be- 
lieves him  to  be  either  a  demigod,  to  whom  temples  should  be 
built,  or  a  lunatic,  who  should  be  sent  to  Bedlam !"  f 

*  Napoleon's  own  words. — Vide  Villemain,  "Souvenirs,"  vol.  i.,  p.  180, 
t Count  Louis  de  Narbonne's  own  words. — Vide  "Souvenirs, "  vol.  1. 


THE  LAST  DAYS  OF  1812. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

THE   CONSPIKATORS   OF   HELGOLAND. 

THE  storm  was  howling  over  the  ocean,  revealing  its  depths, 
and  hurling  its  foaming  waves  to  the  sky.  They  dashed 
wildly  against  yonder  lofty  rock  that  calmly  overlooked  the 
anger  of  the  tempest.  It  was  the  rock  of  Helgoland.  In 
times  of  old,  it  towered  even  more  proudly  above  the  unruly 
element  surrounding  it.  It  was  then  a  terror  to  seafaring 
nations,  and  when  the  ships  of  the  rich  merchants  of  Ham- 
burg, Bremen,  Holland,  and  Denmark,  passed  it  at  as  great  a 
distance  as  possible,  the  masters  made  the  sign  of  the  cross, 
and  prayed  God  would  deliver  them  from  this  imminent  dan- 
ger. In  ancient  days  Helgoland  was  ten  times  larger  than  it 
is  now,  and  on  this  old  rocky  island,  which  had  been  the  last 
aslyum  of  the  gods  of  northern  paganism,  lived  a  warlike  peo- 
ple, who  knew  no  other  laws  than  those  of  their  own  will,  no 
other  toil  than  piracy,  and  who  submitted  to  no  other  master 
than  the  chieftain  chosen  from  among  their  most  colossal  fel- 
lows. The  pirates  of  Helgoland  were  desperate  men,  who  had 
selected  for  themselves  as  a  coat  of  arms  a  wheel  and  a  gallows, 
which  they  wore  embroidered  on  the  sleeves  of  their  jackets; 
and  their  last  chieftain,  who  especially  terrified  the  hearts  of 
sea-captains  passing  the  island,  called  himself:  "I,  by  my 
own  grace,  and  not  that  of  God,  Long  Peter,  Murderer  of  the 
Dutch,  Destroyer  of  the  Hamburgers,  Chastiser  of  the  Danes, 
and  Scourge  of  the  Bremen  Ships."  But  Long  Peter,  "by. 
his  own  grace,  and  not  that  of  God,"  had  at  length  fallen  a 
victim  to  the  vicissitudes  of  life.  The  women  of  Helgoland, 
revolting  against  his  cruelty,  baseness,  and  tyranny,  surren- 
dered the  island,  the  seat  of  the  ancient  gods,  to  Admiral 
Paulsen,  of  the  Danish  navy.  This  occurred  in  1684,  and 
since  then  Helgoland  remained  under  the  authority  of  the 


68  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Danish  crown  until  1807.  The  conflagration  of  Copenhagen 
melted  the  chains  that  fastened  the  old  gray  rock  to  Denmark, 
and  England,  that  triumphantly  conveyed  the  whole  Danish 
fleet  to  her  own  shores,  annexed  Helgoland. 

The  island  had  become  much  smaller  ever  since  Long  Peter, 
its  last  chieftain,  died.  The  storms  had  swept  over  it,  tear- 
ing rocky  masses  from  its  shores,  and  flinging  them  far  into 
the  sea,  which  had  undermined  the  foundations  of  Helgo- 
land, and  hidden  the  conquest  beneath  the  waves.  Although 
small,  it  was  the  beacon  of  Europe.  In  the  last  days  of  1812 
the  eyes  of  all  German  patriots  were  fixed  longingly  and  hope- 
fully upon  that  lonely  rock  in  the  North  Sea.  It  was  British 
territory — the  first  advance  which  England  had  made  to  the 
shores  of  suffering  Germany,  and,  her  proud  flag  waving  over 
it,  made  it  the  asylum  of  persecuted  patriots  and  members  of 
the  secret  leagues.  To  the  red  rock,  in  the  midst  of  the  sea, 
came  no  French  spies;  there  were  no  traitors'  ears,  for  the 
pilot  at  the  light-house  kept  a  good  lookout,  and  no  suspicious 
ship  was  permitted  to  anchor ;  no  one  was  allowed  to  land 
without  having  given  a  good  account  of  himself,  and  satisfying 
the  authorities  that  confidence  might  be  reposed  in  him. 
Those  allowed  to  disembark  were  heartily  welcomed,  for,  by 
setting  foot  on  the  rocky  island,  they  had  become  members  of 
the  vast  family  of  Napoleon's  enemies — of  the  brethren  who 
had  united  against  his  power — of  the  conspirators  whose  sworn 
duty  it  was  to  oppose  Napoleon  with  the  weapons  of  cunning 
as  well  as  force — of  intrigue  creeping  in  the  dark,  or  of  brave 
and  manly  defiance. 

In  Helgoland  the  swarms  of  smugglers  sheltered,  who  had 
taken  upon  themselves  the  risk  of  trading  English  goods, 
against  which  Napoleon's  hatred  tried  to  shut  the  entire  con- 
tinent. There  came  the  crowd  of  foreign  merchants,  to  pur- 
chase of  English  dealers  the  goods  which  Napoleon's  decrees 
had  prohibited  in  his  own  dominions,  as  well  as  in  those  of 
his  allies.  Every  British  manufacturer  and  wholesale  dealer 
had  his  counting-house  and  depot  at  Helgoland.  Vast  ware^ 
houses,  resembling  palaces,  rose  on  the  plateau  of  the  island, 
and  approaching  ships  beheld  them  from  afar.  In  these 
warehouses  were  stored  all  the  articles  which  British  industry 
was  able  to  offer  to  the  rest  of  Europe,  and  which  the  people 
of  the  whole  continent  desired  the  more  ardently,  the  more 
rigorously  they  were  forbidden  to  purchase  them.  A  very 
large  commercial  firm  of  London  and  Manchester  had  branches 


THE  CONSPIRATORS  OF  HELGOLAND.  69 

of  their  business  on  the  island ;  every  wealthy  banker  had  an 
office  there,  and  people  were  justified  in  calling  Helgoland 
"Little  London."  You  would  have  thought  yourself  in  the 
city  of  London,  when  passing  through  the  narrow  streets  of 
the  island,  lined  on  both  sides  with  vast  warehouses,  and  read- 
ing on  each  the  names  of  the  most  celebrated  London  firms. 
You  would  almost  have  fancied  you  were  in  the  gigantic  har- 
bor of  the  Thames,  when  looking  at  the  forest  of  masts,  the 
animated  crowds,  the  ships  and  boats,  where  from  three  to 
four  hundred  vessels  cleared  and  entered  every  day. 

Not  only  merchants  and  smugglers,  adventurers  and  specu- 
lators, flocked  to  Helgoland,  but  diplomatists,  politicians,  and 
patriots  found  on  the  rocky  island  a  refuge  and  convenient 
point,  where  they  might  meet  their  brethren  and  reunite  kin- 
dred hearts.  The  members  of  the  great  secret  league  has- 
tened from  the  north  and  the  south  of  Europe  to  Helgoland, 
to  hold  meetings,  there,  concert  plans,  and  communicate  to 
each  other  what  they  had  succeeded  in  accomplishing. 

On  one  of  the  last  days  in  September,  1812,  an  unusual 
commotion  prevailed  on  the  island.  It  was  noon,  and  yet 
more  than  two  hundred  ships  had  arrived  and  cast  anchor. 
All  the  stores  were  open  and  the  goods  displayed ;  brokers  and 
speculators  elbowed  themselves  in  busy  haste  through  the 
multitude  of  merchants,  owners  of  ships,  smugglers,  and  sail- 
ors, that  filled  the  whole  upper  part  of  the  island,  offering 
goods  for  sale  in  all  languages;  and  among  them  were  to  be 
seen  the  beautiful  girls  of  Helgoland,  dressed  in  their  strange 
costume,  and  carrying  in  baskets  and  on  plates  all  sorts  of 
delicacies,  for  which  they  sought  purchasers. 

At  a  distance  from  the  throng  stood  three  men,  who  paid 
but  little  attention  to  the  merry,  excited  crowd.  They  were 
closely  wrapped  in  cloaks,  with  their  hats  drawn  over  their 
foreheads,  and  looked  steadfastly  upon  the  sea.  Far  on  the 
horizon  there  appeared  another  small  dark  speck,  which  grad- 
ually assumed  a  definite  shape. 

"A  ship!"  ejaculated  one  of  the  three  men,  eagerly. 

"  Yes,  a  ship,"  repeated  his  two  companions.  They  paused, 
looking  eagerly  at  the  vessel,  which  rapidly  darted  across  the 
waves,  and  could  now  be  discerned  by  the  unaided  eye. 

"Look,"  said  one  of  the  three,  "she  is  a  man-of-war.  I 
see  the  port-holes." 

"  But  I  do  not  see  her  flag,"  said  one  of  his  companions. 

"I  do,"  exclaimed  the  third,  who  had  hitherto  looked  at 


70  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  ship  through  a  large  telescope.  "  Yellow  and  blue,  the 
Swedish  colors." 

"At  length!"  exclaimed  the  first  speaker,  joyously.  "I 
hope  it  is  he!" 

"  There  is  another  ship,"  said  the  second  speaker,  pointing 
his  hand  to  a  different  part  of  the  horizon.  "  How  she  is 
dashing  along ! — her  keel  cuts  the  waves  so  that  their  foaming 
crests  sweep  like  a  silver  chain  behind  her.  Oh,  I  like  that 
ship !  it  seems  to  me  as  though  she  brings  us  glad  tidings,  and 
comes  for  our  sake,  and  not  for  commercial  purposes." 

"Now  she  unfurls  her  flag!"  exclaimed  the  third  speaker. 
"It  is  the  union  jack!  Oh,  you  are  right,  she  comes  for  our 
sake,  and  I  hope  some  friend  is  on  board.  But  we  are  for- 
getting the  Swedish  vessel.  Where  is  she?" 

"  There !  The  little  fish  has  become  a  whale.  And  see, 
the  English  ship,  too,  is  much  larger,  and  is  dancing  along 
like  a  beauty.  Both  are  very  fast,  and  in  half  an  hour  they 
will  be  at  anchor  in  the  harbor." 

"  Heaven  grant  that  the  friends  for  whom  we  are  looking 
may  be  on  board!"  said  his  two  companions,  sighing. 

"Your  wish  will  be  granted,"  said  their  friend.  "God  is 
with  us  and  blesses  our  league.  Has  He  not  already  for  twelve 
days  bidden  the  sea  be  calm,  and  not  detain  us  or  one  of  ours 
by  adverse  winds?  Have  we  not  all  arrived  to-day,  as  we  had 
agreed  to,  from  three  different  parts  of  the  world  ?  Why  should 
the  other  brethren  of  our  league  not  be  able  to  do  the  same?" 

"Yes,  you  are  right,"  said  the  first  speaker,  smiling. 
"  Heaven  does  seem  to  be  with  us,  and  it  is  apparently  for  our 
sake  that  this  rock  emerged  from  the  waves  as  a  snug  little 
boudoir  for  our  European  rendezvous.  Bonaparte  may  often 
enough  cast  angry  glances  in  this  direction,  but  the  lightning 
of  his  eyes  and  the  thunder  of  his  words  do  not  reach  our 
sea-girt  asylum,  which  God  Himself  has  built  and  furnished 
for  us.  Grim  Bonaparte  cannot  hurt  us  here,  but  we  will  try 
to  hurt  him,  and  one  day  he  will  find  out  what  we  are  doing 
at  the  political  boudoir  of  Helgoland." 

"  Look,"  exclaimed  his  friend,  "  the  two  ships  have  reached 
the  island  at  the  same  time,  and  are  now  anchoring. " 

"They  are  lowering  their  boats,"  exclaimed  the  third 
speaker.  "  The  passengers  are  going  ashore." 

"  Let  us  go  to  the  place  agreed  upon,  and  see  whether  they 
are  the  brethren  we  are  looking  for,"  said  the  first  speaker. 

"Yes,  let  us  go,"  exclaimed  his  two  companions. 


THE  CONSPIRATORS   <JF  HELGOLAND.  71 

Without  exchanging  another  word,  they  turned  and  walked 
hastily  through  the  busy  crowds  to  the  staircase  leading  from 
the  upper  part  of  the  island  to  the  lower  shore.  Here  they 
passed  through  the  streets  of  small,  neat  fishermen's  huts,  and 
then  entered  the  last  building.  A  footman  in  a  gorgeous  liv» 
ery  received  them  in  the  small  hall,  and  opened  with  reveren- 
tial politeness  the  door  leading  into  the  only  room  of  the  hut. 
The  three  men  walked  in,  and  locked  the  door  carefully. 
One  of  them  took  off  his  hat  and  cloak,  and  now  stood  before 
his  two  companions  in  splendid  uniform,  his  breast  covered 
with  orders.  "Permit  me,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  smiling — 
"  permit  me  to  greet  you  here  as  guests  of  mine,  for  you  are 
now  at  my  house.  I  have  bought  this  building  for  the  pur- 
pose of  holding  the  meetings  of  the  members  of  our  league. 
Up  to  this  time  we  have  recognized  each  other  as  friends  only 
by  the  signs  and  passwords  that  had  been  agreed  on;  but 
now,  if  you  please,  we  will  drop  our  incognito.  I  am  Count 
Munster,  minister  of  the  Elector  of  Hanover  and  the  King  ol 
England." 

"  And  I,"  said  the  second  gentleman,  taking  off  his  cloak — 
"  I  have  the  honor  of  introducing  myself  to  your  excellency  as 
the  chief  of  the  Berlin  police,  who  was  proscribed  and  exiled 
by  Bonaparte.  My  name  is  Justus  Gruner." 

"  A  name  that  I  have  known  a  long  time,  though  I  was  not 
acquainted  with  the  man  himself,"  said  Count  Munster, 
kindly  offering  him  his  hand.  "  Let  me  bid  you  welcome  as 
a  faithful  and  zealous  adherent  of  the  good  cause — as  a  noble 
patriot  in  whom  Germany  confides  and  hopes." 

"  It  is  my  turn  now  to  unmask,"  said  the  third,  whose  coun- 
tenance had  hitherto  been  almost  entirely  invisible,  so  closely 
had  ho  muffled  himself.  Taking  off  his  cloak  and  hat  and 
bowing  to  his  companions,  he  said,  "My  name  is  Frederick 
William  of  Brunswick." 

"  I  had  the  honor  to  recognize  your  highness  when  you  were 
yet  in  the  boat,  and  I  stood  on  the  shore,"  said  Count  Mun- 
ster, smiling  and  bowing  respectfully. 

"  And  why  did  you  not  tell  me  so?"  asked  the  duke, 
eagerly. 

"Because  I  respected  your  incognito,  your  highness,"  said 
the  count. 

The  duke  shook  his  head,  which  was  covered  with  dark, 
curly  hair.  "No  etiquette,  count,"  he  said,  almost  indig- 
nantly. "I  am  nothing  but  a.  poor  soldier,  who  scarcely 


72  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

knows  where  to  lay  his  head,  whom  grief  is  tormenting,  and 
whose  hunger  for  vengeance  is  not  appeased." 

"  There  will  be  a  time  when  all  those  who  are  hungry,  like 
your  highness,  will  be  satisfied,"  said  Justus  Gruner,  solemnly. 

"If  you  speak  the  truth,  my  friend,"  exclaimed  the  duke, 
with  emphasis,  the  eyes  of  my  blind  father,  who  died  in  de- 
spair, will  reopen,  and  he  will  look  down  with  blissful  tears 
upon  the  delivered  world.  And  they  will  blot  out  his  last 
dying  words,  that  are  burning  like  fire  in  my  heart.  'Oh, 
what  a  disgrace !  what  a  disgrace ! '  were  the  last  words  my 
father  uttered.  I  hear  them  night  and  day ;  they  are  always 
resounding  in  my  ears  like  the  death-knell  of  Germany ;  they 
are  ever  smarting  in  my  heart  like  an  open  wound.  Germany 
is  groaning  and  lamenting,  for  Napoleon's  foot  is  still  on  her 
neck,  and,  mortally  wounded  and  blinded  like  my  father,  we 
are  all  crying,  'Oh,  what  a  disgrace!  what  a  disgrace!' ' 

"  But  the  time  will  soon  come  when  our  wounds  will  heal," 
said  Count  Munster,  gravely.  "  Our  night  is  passing,  the 
morning  dawns,  and  the  star  of  Bonaparte  will  fade  forever." 

"I  do  not  think  it,"  said  the  duke,  sighing.  It  is  still 
shining  over  our  heads — he  is  rather  like  a  threatening 
meteor,  and  its  eccentric  course  is  over  the  snow-fields  of 
Russia.  But  hush!  footsteps  are  approaching."  The  duke 
was  not  mistaken.  They  heard  the  door  of  the  hut  violently 
open  and  close,  and  shortly  after  some  one  rapped  at  the 
locked  door. 

"  The  password!"  shouted  Count  Munster,  putting  his  hand 
on  the  key. 

"  11  est  temps  definir!  "  replied  a  sonorous  voice  outside. 

Count  Munster  opened  the  door.  A  gentleman  of  imposing 
stature  entered  the  room.  "  Count  Nugent,"  exclaimed  Count 
Munster,  joyously,  offering  both  his  hands  to  the  friend  whom 
he  had  known  for  many  years.  Was  it  you  who  arrived  on 
the  last  English  ship?" 

"Yes,"  said  the  count,  saluting  the  other  gentlemen.  But 
I  believe  there  will  be  more  guests  here  directly.  I  saw  close 
behind  me  two  men  wrapped  in  cloaks,  who  were  also  moving 
hither.  Ah,  they  are  passing  the  window  at  this  moment." 

"And  now  they  are  entering  the  house,"  said  the  count, 
listening. 

Another  rapping  was  heard,  and  the  call  for  the  password 
was  answered  again  by  the  shout  of  "  11  est  temps  definir!  " 

"They  are  the  passengers  from  the  Swedish  vessel,  as  I 


THE  CONSPIRATORS   OF  HELGOLAND.  73 

hoped  they  would  be,"  said  Count  Munster,  opening  the  door. 
Two  men  in  cloaks  entered,  and  bowed  silently  to  the  others. 

"  Gneisenau !  My  dear  Gneisenau !"  exclaimed  Count  Mun- 
ster, tenderly  embracing  the  gentleman  who  had  entered  last. 
"  Then,  you  have  really  kept  your  word !  You  have  come  in 
spite  of  all  dangers!  I  thank  you  in  the  name  of  Germany!" 

"  You  will  thank  me  only  after  having  learned  what  new 
ally  I  have  enlisted  for  our  holy  cause,"  said  Gneisenau,  smil- 
ing, and  pointing  to  his  companion,  who,  still  closely  muffled, 
was  standing  by  his  side  silent  and  motionless. 

"You  come  from  Stockholm,"  said  Count  Munster,  joy- 
ously, "you  bring  us  a  delegate  of  the  crown  prince  of 
Sweden,  the  noble  Bernadotte,  do  you  not?  My  heart  does 
not  deceive  me — I  am  sure!" 

"No,  your  heart  does  not  deceive  you,"  said  Gneisenau, 
smiling.  "  This  gentleman  is  an  envoy  of  the  crown  prince  of 
Sweden,  who  promises  us  his  friendship  and  assistance." 

"No, "said  the  stranger,  slowly  and  solemnly.  "At  this 
hour  there  must  be  truth  between  us.  I  am  not  an  envoy  of 
the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  I  am  he  himself,  I  am  Berna- 
dotte!" He  took  off  his  hat  and  cloak,  and  bowed  to  the 
astonished  gentlemen.  "  I  wish  to  prove  to  you,  and  to  those 
whom  you  are  representing,  that  I  am  in  earnest,"  said  Ber- 
nadotte, in  the  most  dignified  manner.  "  My  French  heart 
had  to  undergo  a  long  and  painful  struggle,  but  the  crown 
prince  of  Sweden  conquered  it.  I  must  think  110  longer  of 
the  blood  that  is  flowing  in  my  veins,  but  remember  only  that, 
by  the  decree  of  the  noble  Swedish  nation,  I  have  been  des- 
tined to  become  its  king,  and  that,  therefore,  the  interests  of 
Sweden  must  be  more  important  and  sacred  to  me  than  my 
own  heart.  The  Emperor  of  the  French  has  offered  me  an 
alliance.  But  Russia  and  Prussia  are  urging  me  to  espouse 
their  cause.  The  interest  of  Sweden  requires  me  to  ally  my- 
self with  those  who  have  justice,  strength,  and  honor  on  their 
side;  I  shall,  therefore,  side  with  Russia,  England,  and 
Prussia.  This  is  the  reply  which  I  made  to  the  Russian  am- 
bassadors, and  likewise  to  the  Prussian  General  Gneisenau 
here.  But,  at  the  same  time,  I  asked  opportunity  to  com- 
plete my  preparations,  and  until  that  can  be  done,  I  have 
requested  the  ambassadors  to  keep  secret  my  accession  to  the 
northern  alliance.  It  seemed  to  me  as  though  this  request  of 
mine  were  looked  upon  as  a  proof  of  my  vacillation,  and  as  a 
want  of  candor,  and  as  though  doubts  were  entertained  as  to 


74  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

my  ultimate  decision.  Hence  I  wished  to  manifest  my  true 
spirit  by  corning  myself  to  you  instead  of  sending  a  delegate. 
Now,  you  have  heard  my  political  confession.  Are  you  con- 
tent with  it,  and  may  I  participate  in  your  deliberations?" 
And  the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  uttering  the  last  words, 
turned  with  a  winning  smile  to  Count  Munster,  and  sank  his 
head  as  a  prisoner  waiting  for  sentence. 

"  I  pray  your  royal  highness,  in  the  name  of  my  friends 
present,  to  remain  and  participate  in  our  discussions,"  said 
Count  Munster.  "  We  are  now  waiting  for  no  further  arri- 
vals— all  the  invited  guests  have  come.  Let  us  take  our  seats. 
Let  the  conference  commence.  But  first  permit  me  to  intro- 
duce the  gentlemen  to  each  other." 


CHAPTEE    VIII. 

THE   EUROPEAN   CONSPIRACY. 

THE  six  gentlemen  sat  down  on  chairs  placed  around  the 
table  standing  in  the  middle  of  the  room.  Count  Munster 
bowed  to  them.  "  As  it  was  I  who  invited  you  to  attend  this 
conference,"  he  said,  "I  must  take  the  liberty  of  addressing 
you  first.  I  must  justify  myself  for  having  called  upon  you  in 
the  name  of  Germany,  in  the  name  of  Europe,  to  come  hither 
notwithstanding  the  dangers  aud  hardships  of  the  journey. 
Yes,  gentlemen,  Germany  stands  in  need  of  our  assistance. 
But  not  only  Germany — Spain,  drenched  in  the  blood  of  her 
patriots;  poor,  enslaved  Italy;  Holland,  ruthlessly  annexed  to 
France ;  in  short,  all  the  states  that  are  groaning  under  the 
tyrant's  yoke ;  yea,  France  herself ! — all  are  crying  for  deliver- 
ance from  slavery.  But  whence  is  help  to  come  when  every 
one  shuts  his  eyes  against  the  despairing  wail  of  Europe ;  when 
every  one  idly  folds  his  hands  and  waits  for  some  one  else  to 
be  bold  enough  to  call  upon  the  people  to  take  up  arms? 
Every  individual  must  be  animated  with  this  courage ;  must 
regard  himself  as  chosen  by  Providence  to  commence  the  task 
of  liberation.  Each  one  must  act  as  though  it  were  he  who 
is  to  set  the  world  in  motion,  and  were  the  head  of  the  great 
and  holy  conspiracy  by  which  mankind  is  to  be  delivered  from 
the  tyrant.  I  told  myself  so  when  I  saw  all  Germany  sinking; 
I  repeat  it  to  myself  every  day,  and  it  is  my  excuse  now  for 
having  ventured  to  invite  thither  men  who  are  my  superiors. 


THE  EUROPEAN  CONSPIRACY.  75 

(n  every  respect.  But  to  Germany  alone  we  shall  give  an  ac- 
count of  what  we  have  hitherto  done  for  her  liberation;  for 
her  let  us  deliberate  as  to  what  we  further  ought  to  do,  and 
what  plans  we  should  pursue.  The  world  lies  prostrate,  but 
we  must  raise  it  again ;  the  nations  are  manacled,  but  we  must 
be  the  files  that  imperceptibly  cut  through  the  fetters,  and  we 
must  then  tell  the  people  that  it  is  easy  for  them  to  gain  their 
independence;  that  it  is  only  necessary  to  take  the  sword,  and 
prove  by  deeds  that  they  feel  themselves  free — then  they  will 
be  free.  This  is  our  task — the  task  of  all  generous  patriots. 
Every  one  has  been  conscious  of  this,  but  also,  that  there 
should  be  a  bond  connecting  all  the  members  of  this  secret 
league,  to  which  every  patriot  belongs.  That  was  the  idea 
which  caused  several  friends  and  myself  to  unite  our  efforts. 
We  did  so,  and  this  union  made  us  feel  doubly  strong;  we 
conferred  as  to  our  duties  and  schemes,  and  by  doing  so  they 
became  clearer  to  us,  and  better  matured.  We  made  our- 
selves emissaries  of  the  sacred  cause  of  the  fatherland,  and 
went  into  the  world  to  enlist  soldiers,  to  create  a  new  nation, 
awaken  the  sleepers,  enlighten  the  ignorant,  bring  back  the 
faithless,  undeceive  the  deceived,  and  console  the  despairing. 
For  this  purpose  I  have  struggled  for  years,  and  so  have  all 
my  friends,  and  so  do  all  good  and  faithful  patriots,  without 
perhaps  being  fully  conscious  of  it.  But  it  is  necessary,  too, 
that  those  who,  like  us,  are  fully  alive  to  their  duty,  should 
from  time  to  time  give  each  other  an  account  of  what  they 
have  accomplished,  that  they  may  agree  upon  new  plans  for 
the  future.  I,  therefore,  requested  my  friends  Count  Nugent 
and  General  Gneiseuau,  to  come  hither;  I  wrote  to  Minister  von 
Stein,  who  is  now  at  Prague,  either  to  come  himself,  or  send  a 
reliable  representative,  and  I  requested  another  in  Northern 
Germany  to  send  one  of  his  intimate  friends.  Four  months 
ago  I  dispatched  my  invitations ;  the  meeting  was  to  take  place 
to-day,  and  we  have  all  promptly  responded  to  the  call.  My 
friend  in  Northern  Germany  induced  the  noblest  and  most 
faithful  soldier  of  the  fatherland,  Duke  Frederick  William  of 
Brunswick,  to  go  to  Helgoland.  Minister  von  Stein,  who,  in 
the  mean  time,  was  obliged  to  go  to  Russia,  sends  us  a  noble 
representative  in  the  person  of  Justus  Gruner,  and  the  mag- 
nanimous crown  prince  of  Sweden  offers  us,  by  his  voluntary 
appearance  in  our  midst,  a  new  guaranty  for  the  success  of 
our  schemes.  We  know  now  what  has  called  us  hither.  Let 
us  communicate  to  each  other  what  we  have  hitherto  done, 


76  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

in  order  to  attain  the  object  for  which  we  are  striving,  and 
what  plans  we  shall  adopt.  In  this  respect,  the  two  noble 
princes  now  in  our  midst  are  especially  able  to  make  valuable 
suggestions,  and  it  is  to  them  principally  that  we  shall  apply. 
The  former  question,  however,  concerns  chiefly  ourselves,  who 
have  for  years  been  members  of  the  league,  and  have  jointly 
tried  to  promote  its  objects.  In  order  to  know  what  we 
should  do,  we  must  be  informed  exactly  of  what  we  have 
already  done.  To  be  able  to  conceive  plans  for  the  future,  we 
must  carefully  weigh,  and  render  ourselves  perfectly  familiar 
with,  the  present  political  situation,  and  communicate  our 
observations  and  adventures  to  each  other.  Let  us  do  so  now. 
Let  the  gentleman  who  arrived  last  speak  first.  General  Gnei- 
senau,  tell  us,  therefore,  what  hopes  do  you  entertain  in 
regard  to  Prussia?  What  are  the  sentiments  of  the  king? 
What  has  Germany  or  Prussia  to  hope  from  the  ministers  of 
Frederick  William?  What  is  the  spirit  of  the  people  and  the 
soldiers?" 

"You  ask  a  great  deal,"  said  Gneisenau,  sighing,  "and  I 
have  but  little  to  reply.  I  have  no  hopes  whatever  in  regard 
to  Prussia.  That  is  the  result  of  the  observations  during  my 
present  journey.  Every  thing  is  in  about  the  same  con- 
dition as  it  was  in  1811 ;  the  same  men  are  still  ruling,  and 
the  same  state  of  affairs,  on  account  of  which  I  left  the  Prus- 
sian service  at  that  time,  is  still  prevailing.  The  king  is  the 
noblest  and  best-meaning  man,  but  his  indecision  and  distrust 
in  his  own  abilities  are  his  own  curse,  as  well  as  that  of  his 
country.  When,  in  1808,  we  heard  at  Konigsberg  the  news 
of  the  events  of  Bayonne,  the  king  said,  'Bonaparte  will  as- 
suredly not  catch  me  in  such  a  manner!'  and  now  he  has 
delivered  himself  into  the  hands  of  his  most  relentless  enemy, 
who,  if  Eussia  should  be  defeated,  would  dethrone  him,  or,  if 
Bonaparte  should  not  be  successful,  keep  him  as  a  hostage.* 
The  friends  of  the  French,  the  timid,  and  the  cowards,  are 
still  besieging  the  king's  ears,  and  enjoying  his  confidence  to 
a  greater  extent  than  Hardenberg  does.  Hardenberg  is  all 
right,  but  he  intends,  after  the  fashion  of  diplomatists,  to 
attain  the  great  object  slowly  and  cautiously,  instead  of 
struggling  for  it  boldly,  and  sword  in  hand.  He  is  secretly 
on  our  side ;  he  hates  Napoleon  and  curses  the  chains  that  are 
fettering  Prussia;  he  is  always  planning  as  to  the  best  means 
of  breaking  them,  but  publicly  he  negotiates  with  the  diplo- 

*Gnetsenau's  own  words.— Vide  "  Lebensbilder, "  vol.  i.,  p.  861. 


THE  EUROPEAN  CONSPIRACY.  77 

matists  of  Napoleon  to  bring  about  a  marriage  between  the 
crown  prince  and  one  of  Napoleon's  nieces.  There  can  be  no 
question  of  any  army  in  Prussia,  for  the  forty  thousand  men 
whom  Napoleon  permitted  the  King  of  Prussia  still  to  retain 
under  arms,  had  either  to  accompany  the  French  army  to 
Eussia,  or  are  at  least  stationed,  as  Napoleon's  reserves,  on  the 
extreme  frontiers.  Berlin,  as  well  as  all  larger  cities,  and 
the  fortresses,  are  garrisoned  by  French  troops,  keeping  down 
the  national  spirit  of  the  population,  and  rendering  any  at- 
tempt at  insurrection  an  utter  impossibility,  even  though  the 
people  should  intend  to  strike.  But  they  think  no  longer  of 
rising.  They  are  exhausted  in  their  misery,  and  have  lost 
their  energy.  They  feel  only  that  they  are  suffering,  but  they 
inquire  no  more  for  the  cause.  And  thus  Prussia  will  perish, 
unless  some  powerful  impetus  from  abroad,  some  dispensation 
of  Providence,  should  arouse  her  from  her  lethargy,  and 
restore  her  to  the  consciousness  of  her  disgrace  and  her 
strength.  I  hope  that  this  will  occur;  for  only  this  and  Eng- 
land's energy  will  be  able  to  save  us.  But  other  hopes  I  do 
not  entertain.  I,  therefore,  shall  leave  Prussia  again  and 
accompany  you  to  England,  Count  Munster,  when  you  return 
thither." 

"  I  shall  set  out  for  England  this  day,  as  soon  as  our  con- 
ference is  at  an  end,"  said  Count  Munster,  "and  you  will  be 
a  most  welcome  and  agreeable  companion.  It  is  only  now 
that  I  perceive  how  necessary  a  personal  interview  was,  and 
how  good  it  is  that  we  are  here  assembled.  Many  things, 
which  cannot  be  explained  in  the  longest  letters,  may  be  per- 
fectly understood  after  an  interview  of  fifteen  minutes.  I 
believe  and  hope,  my  friend,  that  your  view  of  the  present 
state  of  affairs  is  by  far  too  gloomy.  You  are  hoping  for  an 
impetus  from  abroad;  but  that  will  scarcely  be  needed  to 
arouse  the  nations  from  their  lethargy.  A  new  spirit  is  ani- 
mating Germany,  and  it  is  Spain,  with  her  heroic  victories, 
that  has  awakened  this  spirit.  The  immortal  defence  of  Sara- 
gossa  has  passed  like  a  magic  song  throughout  Europe,  and 
has  told  the  oppressed  and  enslaved  nations  that  Bonaparte 
is  not  invincible,  and  that  a  nation  which  will  not  suffer  itself 
to  be  enslaved  has  the  strength  to  defend  itself  against  the 
most  powerful  tyrant.  Looking  upon  Spain,  the  nations  re- 
collect these  noble  words  of  Tacitus:  'It  is  not  the  tyrants 
who  make  nations  slaves,  but  the  nations  degrading  them- 
selves voluntarily  to  the  abject  position  of  slaves  make 


78  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

tyrants. '  And  the  nations  will  have  no  more  tyrants,  but  are 
determined  to  annihilate  him  who  has  put  his  foot  upon  their 
neck.  Tell  us,  Count  Nugent — you  who,  in  the  service  of 
holy  liberty,  have  been  wandering  about  the  world  for  the  last 
two  years — tell  us  whether  I  am  not  justified  in  asserting  that 
the  nations  are  about  to  awake?" 

"Yes,  I  believe  so,"  said  Count  Nugent,  joyously.  "For 
the  third  time  during  two  years  I  have  finished  a  journey 
through  Europe.  From  Vienna  I  went  by  way  of  Trieste, 
Corfu,  and  Malta,  to  the  British  generals  in  Sicily,  Spain,  and 
Portugal,  thence  to  England,  and  from  England  I  returned  to 
Vienna  under  an  assumed  name  and  all  sorts  of  disguises. ' 
During  my  first  two  journeys  I  saw  everywhere  only  that  the 
nations  submitted  unhesitatingly,  as  though  Bonaparte  were 
the  scourge  which  God  Himself  had  sent  to  chastise  them, 
and  against  whom  they  were  not  allowed  to  revolt,  although 
rivers  of  blood  were  spilled.  But  I  saw  no  prince  who  had 
the  strength  or  courage,  or  even  the  wish  to  rule  as  a  free  and 
independent  sovereign  over  a  free  people.  The  princes  were 
everywhere  content  with  being  the  vassals  of  France;  they 
deemed  themselves  happy  to  have  secured  by  their  humiliation 
at  least  a  title;  they  were  striving  to  obtain  by  base  syco- 
phancy additional  territories  and  orders,  and  betraying  their 
own  country  and  their  own  people  in  order  to  serve  the  Em- 
peror of  France.  It  was  a  terrible,  heart-rending  spectacle 
presented  by  Germany  during  these  last  years,  and  which 
could  not  but  fill  the  heart  of  every  patriot  with  shame  and 
despair.  And  yet  this  period  of  degradation  was  necessary 
and  even  salutary,  for  it  blinded  Napoleon  by  the  glaring  sun- 
shine of  his  power;  it  rendered  him  overbearing  and  reckless; 
he  dared  every  thing,  because  he  believed  he  would  succeed  in 
every  thing,  and  that  the  world  had  utterly  succumbed  to  his 
power.  He  dared  all,  trampled  on  every  feeling  of  justice, 
and  thereby  finally  goaded  the  nations  to  resist  him.  In  1810 
he  exclaimed  triumphantly,  'Three  years  yet,  and  I  shall  be 
master  of  the  world!*  And  when  he  lately  took  the  field 
against  Eussia,  he  said,  'After  humiliating  Eussia  and  reduc- 
ing her  to  an  Asiatic  power,  I  shall  establish  at  Paris  a 
universal  European  court  and  universal  archives ! '  He  believes 
himself  to  be  the  master  of  the  world ;  he  thinks  the  thunder- 
bolts of  heaven  are  in  his  hands,  and  his  arrogance  will  drive 
him  to  destruction,  for  'the  gods  first  blind  him  whom  they  in- 
tend to  destroy. '  And  Napoleon  is  blind,  for  he  does  not  see 


THE  EUROPEAN  CONSPIRACY.  79 

the  wrath  of  the  nations ;  he  is  deaf,  for  he  does  not  hear  the 
imprecations  which  all  nations,  from  the  Mediterranean  to  the 
North  Sea  and  the  Baltic,  are  uttering  against  him.  Yes, 
the  morning  is  dawning,  and  the  nations  are  awaking;  Napo- 
leon has  already  passed  the  zenith  of  his  glory;  his  star  does 
not  now  dazzle  mankind ;  they  have  commenced  to  doubt  the 
stability  of  his  power.  I  saw  a  curious  instance  of  this  last 
year  in  Vienna  at  Metternich's  saloon.  When  the  courier 
who  brought  the  news  of  the  birth  of  the  King  of  Kome,  still 
exhausted  by  the  rapid  ride  from  Nancy,  entered  and  held  up 
Champagny's  letter  containing  nothing  but  these  words,  '  Eh 
bien,  le  Roi  de  Rome  est  arrive!  '  every  one  cried,  '  Is  not  the 
hand  of  God  there?  The  wonderful  man  has  the  son  he 
wished  for.  Whither  will  the  madmen  and  demagogues  direct 
their  hopes  now?'  But  a  courageous  and  merry  native  of 
Vienna  exclaimed  in  the  midst  of  the  diplomatists,  'Oh! 
ten  years  hence  this  King  of  Rome  will  be  a  poor  little  student 
in  this  city!'*  The  diplomatists  were  silent;  the  former 
ambassador  of  Hanover,  however,  Count  Hardenberg,  brother 
of  the  chancellor  of  state,  burst  into  loud  laughter.  These 
words  were  circulated  among  the  people,  and  the  Viennese 
say  now  smilingly,  though  as  yet  in  a  low  tone,  'The  King  of 
Rome  will  come  as  a  poor  student  to  Vienna. '  And  the  same 
words  are  repeated  more  boldly  by  the  faithful  Tyrolese,  the 
guardians  of  the  fires  of  patriotism.  The  Italians  are  whet- 
ting their  swords,  and  France  herself  is  preparing  for  the 
possibility  of  a  new  state  of  affairs.  The  military  ardor  of 
her  marshals  is  exhausted ;  like  the  whole  country,  they  are 
longing  for  repose ;  they  begin  to  curse  him  whom  they  have 
hitherto  idolized;  they  want  peace,  and  are  determined  to 
compel  Napoleon  to  comply  with  their  demands." 

"And  is  our  friend,  Baron  von  Stein,  also  of  this  opinion?" 
asked  Count  Munster,  turning  to  Justus  Gruner. 

"Yes,  he  is,"  said  Gruner.  "When  the  Emperor  Alexan- 
der invited  him  to  come  to  St.  Petersburg,  he  went  thither 
not  so  much  because  he  needed  an  asylum,  but  because  he  be- 
lieved he  could  serve  the  cause  of  Germany  in  a  more  effica- 
cious manner  in  Russia  than  anywhere  else,  and  was  convinced 
that  Alexander  needed  a  firm  and  energetic  adviser  to  fan  his 
hostility  to  Napoleon,  and  keep  all  pacific  influences  away 
from  him.  Nothing  but  a  crushing  defeat  of  Napoleon  in 
Russia  can  deliver  Germany ;  Stein  feels  convinced  of  it,  and 

*  Historical. —Vide  "  Lebensbilder."  vol.  i.,  p.  80. 


80  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

therefore  lie  stands  as  an  immovable  rock  by  the  side  of  Alex- 
ander, and  never  ceases  to  influence  the  emperor  by  soul-stir- 
ring and  courageous  advice.  Here  is  a  letter  which  Stein 
requested  me  to  deliver  to  Count  Munster." 

Count  Munster  took  the  letter  and  quickly  glanced  over  it. 
"Ah,"  he  exclaimed,  joyously,  "Stein,  too,  believes  the  day 
to  be  at  hand  when  Germany  will  and  must  rise;  he,  too, 
prophesies  that  Napoleon  will  speedily  fall.  It  is,  therefore, 
time  for  us  to  think  of  the  future,  and  agree  as  to  the  steps 
to  be  taken.  And  now  I  take  the  liberty  of  asking  the  crown 
prince  of  Sweden  what  assistance  he  offers  us,  and  what  the 
nations  enslaved  by  Napoleon  may  hope  from  him?" 

"  All  the  assistance  which  I  and  my  country  are  able  to 
offer,"  said  the  crown  prince,  ardently.  "The  king  has  au- 
thorized me  to  take  all  necessary  measures  for  an  active  cam- 
paign. Already  I  have  chartered  transports;  the  troops 
which  are  to  participate  in  the  campaign  have  been  concen- 
trated in  their  camps,  and  will  soon  march  to  the  various 
points  of  embarkation.  When  the  German  powers  call  me — 
when  it  is  sure  that  England  entertains  honest  intentions 
toward  us,  and  will  stand  faithfully  by  us,  I  shall  be  ready  to 
embark  with  my  troops  and  participate  in  the  great  struggle, 
provided  that  the  annexation  of  Norway  to  Sweden  be  guaran- 
teed." 

"I  am  authorized  to  do  so  in  the  name  of  England,"  ex- 
claimed Count  Munster. 

"  In  that  case  the  Swedes  will  regard  this  campaign  as  a 
national  affair,"  said  Bernadotte,  "and  will  joyously  rally 
round  the  banner  of  their  crown  prince,  who,  on  his  part, 
longs  for  nothing  more  than  to  follow  the  footsteps  of  the 
great  Gustavus  Adolphus,  and  give  Sweden  fresh  claims  to  her 
ancient  glory  and  the  gratitude  of  the  nations.*  I  am  wait- 
ing for  the  call  of  the  allied  powers  to  hasten  to  the  point 
where  I  may  do  good  service." 

"And  so  am  I,"  said  the  Duke  of  Brunswick,  eagerly.  "I 
have  nothing  to  offer  to  Germany  but  my  hatred  against  Na- 
poleon, my  burning  thirst  for  vengeance,  my  name,  and  my 
sword." 

"But  those  will  be  the  dragon's  teeth,  from  which,  in  due 
time,  will  spring  up  mail-clad  warriors,"  exclaimed  Munster — 
"  warriors  who,  with  the  most  ardent  enthusiasm,  will  follow 
the  hero  whose  audacious  expedition  from  the  forests  of  Bohe- 

*  Beraadotte's  own  words. — Vide  "  M6moires  d'un  Ilomme  d'fitat,"  vol.  xi, 


THE  EUROPEAN   CONSPIRACY.  81 

mia  to  the  Weser  will  never  be  forgotten  by  the  patriots  of 
Germany.  Let  us  prepare  every  thing  as  secretly  as  possible; 
let  us  enlist  soldiers  for  the  great  and  holy  army ;  its  chief- 
tains are  ready;  Gneisenau,  Frederick  William  of  Brunswick, 
the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  and,  in  due  time,  Blucher, 
Schwarzenberg,  and  Wellington,  will  join  them." 

"Yes,  let  us  prepare  for  the  great  task  of  the  future,"  ex- 
claimed Gneisenau.  "I  feel  now  reanimated  with  hope, 
patience,  and  courage.  I  go  to  London,  but  not  to  brood 
over  my  fate;  I  go  to  enlist  an  English  legion  for  Germany; 
to  tell  the  English  ministers  that  the  British  government  can 
take  no  step  more  conducive  to  the  liberation  of  the  nations 
and  the  safety  of  Great  Britain  than  make  Germany  the  prin- 
cipal seat  of  war,  and  transfer  thither  Wellington,  with  all 
the  troops  in  Spain,  and  those  which  can  be  spared  from  the 
islands  of  the  United  Kingdom.  Let  them  consider  me  a 
visionary ;  the  future  will,  perhaps,  prove  to  them  that  I  was 
right.  Oh,  a  victory  over  Napoleon  in  Germany  would  loosen 
the  fetters  of  all  governments,  throw  the  most  determined 
efforts  of  many  millions  of  people  into  the  scales  of  Great 
Britain,  and  deliver  us,  perhaps  forever,  from  the  monster 
equalty  terrible  in  his  strength  and  in  his  poison."  * 

"And  I  go  to  Vienna  to  influence,  together  with  my 
friends,  the  patriotic  impulses  of  the  emperor,"  said  Count 
Nugent.  "  I  go  to  Austria  to  tell  the  noble  Archdukes  John 
and  Charles  that  they  ought  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness, 
and  to  inform  the  Tyrolese  that  the  war  of  liberation  is  at 
hand." 

"  Baron  von  Stein  has  sent  me  to  Germany  to  enlist  there 
an  intellectual  army,  and  set  in  motion  for  Germany  not  only 
swords  but  pens,"  said  Justus  Gruner,  smiling.  "Stein  says 
the  sword  will  only  do  its  work  when  the  mind  has  paved  the 
way  for  it.  The  mind  and  the  free  word,  these  are  the  gen- 
erals that  must  precede  the  sword,  and,  before  raising  an 
army  of  soldiers,  we  must  raise  an  army  of  ideas  and  minds  to 
take  the  field.  And  there  can  be  no  better  mental  chieftain 
than  noble  Baron  von  Stein.  He  has  placed  a  worthy  adju- 
tant at  his  side ;  I  refer  to  Ernst  Moritz  Arndt,  whom  Stein 
has  called  to  St.  Petersburg,  and  who  is  thence  to  send  his 
patriotic  songs  into  the  world,  and  by  his  soul-stirring  writ- 
ings kindle  the  ardor  of  the  Germans.  I  have  brought  with 
me  some  of  Arudt's  pamphlets  that  have  been  printed  in  St 

*  Gneisenau's  own  words.— Vide  "  Lebensbilder, "  vol.  i.,  p.  274. 


82  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Petersburg,  and  his  catechism  for  German  soldiers,  which 
gives  instructions  as  to  what  a  Christian  warrior  ought  to  be, 
and  has  been  circulated,  in  spite  of  Napoleon's  power,  in  all 
the  German  divisions  of  his  army.  To  influence  public  opin- 
ion in  Germany  is  the  task  which  Stein  and  the  Emperor 
Alexander  have  intrusted  to  me.  I  am  to  report  about  every 
thing  that  takes  place  in  the  rear  of  the  French  army,  and 
try  to  obtain  correct  information  concerning  its  reinforcements 
and  the  condition  of  the  fortresses.  My  principal  task,  how- 
ever, will  be  to  direct  public  opinion,  exasperate  the  people 
against  their  oppressors,  and  the  accomplices  of  the  latter, 
support  isolated  risings,  and  organize  flying  corps  for  the  pur- 
pose of  intercepting  the  couriers."  * 

"  That  is  a  plan  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  indomitable 
spirit  of  Baron  von  Stein.  However,  the  influence  and  power 
of  one  person  will  not  suffice  to  carry  it  into  effect." 

"I  am,  therefore,  authorized  to  enlist  agents  whom  the 
Emperor  of  Eussia  will  pay,"  said  Gruner.  "Hired  observers 
and  spies  must  be  spread  all  over  Germany.  I  must  every- 
where have  my  confidants — my  agents  and  instruments. 
Such  I  have  already  engaged  in  some  forty  cities.  I  furnish 
them  instructions,  telling  them  what  to  do,  in  order  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  liberation  of  Germany;  they  have  to  send  me 
weekly  reports,  written  of  course  in  cipher  and  with  chemical 
ink,  and,  on  my  part,  I  address  reports  to  the  Emperor  Alex- 
ander and  Baron  von  Stein,  which  I  forward  every  week  by 
special  couriers  to  Russia.  My  agents,  as  well  as  myself,  will 
endeavor  to  hold  intercourse  with  all  prominent  patriots,  and 
our  noble  Stein  has  referred  me  especially  to  the  eminent  gen- 
tlemen here  assembled.  General  Scharnhorst,  too,  is  aware 
of  our  enterprise;  President  von  Vinke  supports  it  in  the 
most  enthusiastic  and  active  manner,  and  we  find  everywhere 
friends,  assistance,  and  advice.  Already  the  net-work  is 
spread  over  the  country ;  this  will  every  day  become  more  im- 
penetrable— a  fatal  trap  in  which,  if  it  please  God,  we  shall 
one  day  catch  Bonaparte." 

"But  beware  of  traitors,"  exclaimed  Count  Nugent,  anx- 
iously. "  All  your  agents  are  not  reticent,  for,  to  tell  you  the 
truth,  I  have  already  heard  of  your  bold  scheme,  and  Austria 
is  highly  indignant.  Count  Metternich,  a  few  days  since, 
addressed  a  complaint  to  the  Prussian  cabinet  about  what  he 
calls  your  revolutionary  intrigues,  and  the  Prussian  Minister 

*Pertz,  "  Life  of  Baron  von  Stein,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  117. 


THE  EUROPEAN  CONSPIRACY.  83 

von  Biilow,  who  is  friendly  to  France,  is  greatly  exasperated 
against  Justus  Gruner  and  his  guerilla  warfare.  Be  on  your 
guard,  sir,  that,  while  weaving  this  net-work  of  conspiracy, 
you  may  not  yourself  fall  into  the  snares  of  the  insidious 
police." 

"  And  if  I  do,  what  matters  it  if  one  dies,  provided  the 
cause  he  served  lives?"  exclaimed  Justus  Gruner,  enthusi- 
astically. "  This  sacred  cause  cannot  die ;  it  is  strong  enough 
to  succeed,  even  without  me.  It  is  spreading  everywhere,  and 
will  remain,  though  the  little  spider  that  wove  it  should  be 
crushed.  There  is  but  one  part  of  Germany  in  which  my 
work  still  lacks  the  necessary  points  where  I  might  secure  it." 

"  You  allude  to  Austria,  do  you  not?" 

"  I  do ;  there  my  agents  are  distrustfully  turned  away  from 
the  frontier,  and  I  have  so  far  been  unable  to  enlist  special 
and  active  allies.  I  pray  you,  therefore,  give  me  the  names 
of  some  reliable,  honest,  and  faithful  men  to  whom  I  may 
apply;  for  I  must  go  to  Austria." 

"  That  is  to  say,"  exclaimed  Count  Nugent,  "you  are  going 
to  prison.  Let  me  warn  you,  do  not  go  to  Austria ;  Metter- 
nich's  spies  have  keen  eyes,  and  if  they  catch  you,  you  are 
lost." 

"I  must  go  to  Austria,"  said  Gruner,  smiling;  "the  cause 
of  the  fatherland  demands  it.  Dangers  will  not  deter  me, 
and  if  the  Austrian  police  are  on  the  lookout  for  me — well,  I 
have  been  myself  a  police-officer,  and  may  outwit  them.  In 
the  first  place,  however,  I  shall  go  to  Leipsic,  to  have  the  sec- 
ond volume  of  Arndt's  excellent  work,  'The  Spirit  of  the 
Times,'  secretly  printed,  and  cause  a  printing-office  to  be 
established  on  the  Saxon  frontier  for  the  purpose  of  issuing 
the  war  bulletins  which  I  am  to  receive  from  Eussia.  But 
then  I  shall  go  to  Prague  and  Vienna." 

"And  may  God  grant  success  to  your  enterprise!"  said 
Count  Munster.  "  We  shall  all,  I  am  satisfied  of  it,  help  in 
carrying  out  your  schemes  wherever  we  can.  "We  will  try  to 
liberate  you  if  you  are  imprisoned,  and  avenge  you  if  killed. 
Shall  we  not?" 

"  We  shall!"  exclaimed  Gneisenau  and  Bernadotte,  Nugent, 
and  Frederick  William  of  Brunswick,  and  all  four  offered 
their  hands  to  Gruner. 

"  Henceforth  we  all  act  for  one,  and  one  for  all,"  exclaimed 
the  Duke  of  Brunswick,  enthusiastically,  "  and  my  noble 
father  is  looking  down  and  blessing  us.  Oh,  may  the  hour  of 


84  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

liberation  soon  strike !  We  have  our  hands  on  our  swords, 
and  wait  for  Germany  to  call  us." 

"We  are  ready,  and  wait  for  our  country  to  call  us,"  they 
said,  shaking  hands  with  determined  eyes  and  smiling  lips. 

"  And  now,  if  the  gentlemen  have  no  objection,  I  will  ad- 
journ the  conference,"  said  Count  Munster,  after  a  pause. 
"  We  well  know  each  other,  and  what  we  have  to  do.  Here  is 
the  cipher  in  which  we  may  write  to  each  other  whenever  im- 
portant communications  are  to  be  made.  Justus  Gruner  will 
see  to  it  that  his  agents  will  promptly  forward  the  letters  to 
us." 

"  I  will,"  said  Justus  Gruner,  "  and  as  long  as  I  am  not  in 
prison,  or  dead,  you  may  be  sure  that  your  letters  will  not 
fall  into  the  hands  of  enemies  or  traitors."  * 

"  And  now  let  us  go.     God  save  us  and  Germany!" 


CHAPTEE    IX. 

GEBHARD  LEBERECHT  BLUCHEE. 

IT  was  a  cold  and  unpleasant  morning  in  December.  The 
dreary  sky  hung  like  a  pall  over  the  oppressed  world.  How 
beautiful  and  fragrant  had  been  the  summer  park  of  the  estate 
of  Kunzendorf !  now  it  was  bereft  of  its  flowers,  and  the  cold 
gray  trees  were  moaning  in  the  winter  blasts.  How  bright 
had  been  this  large  room  on  the  lower  floor  of  the  mansion  of 
Kunzendorf,  when  the  summer  morning  flung  its  beams  into 
the  windows,  while  a  merry  company  were  chatting  and  laugh- 
ing there!  But,  on  this  day,  DO  guests  were  assembled  in  it 
It  contained  but  two  persons,  an  old  gentleman  and  lady. 
The  gentleman  was  sitting  at  the  window  and  looking  out 
mournfully  into  the  cold ;  he  seemed  to  count  the  snow-flakes 
slowly  falling.  A  large  military  cloak  enveloped  his  tall, 
powerful  form;  his  right  leg,  encased  in  a  heavy  cavalry-boot, 
rested  on  a  cushion;  his  head  was  leaning  against  the  high 
back  of  the  easy-chair  on  which  he  sat.  His  bearing  and  ap- 
pearance indicated  suffering,  age,  and  disease;  he  who  did  not 
look  at  his  countenance  could  not  but  believe  that  he  was  in 

*  The  pred-ctions  and  apprehensions  of  Count  Nugent  were  fulfilled  but  too  soon. 
Gruner  went  as  far  as  Prague,  but  there  he  was  arrested  in  the  last  days  of 
October,  at  the  special  request  of  the  Prussiau  police,  deprived  of  his  papers  and 
his  funds,  and  sent  to  an  Austrian  fortress.  The  Emperor  of  Russia  succeeded 
only  nine  months  after  ward  in  obtaining  his  release.  — vide  Pertz's  "  Life  of  Baron 
ron  Stein,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  131. 


QEBHARD  LEBERECHT  BLUCHER.         85 

the  presence  of  a  sick  and  decrepit  old  man ;  but  when  his 
face  turned  to  the  beholder,  with  its  large,  fiery  blue  eyes, 
high  and  scarcely-furrowed  brow,  Koman  nose,  and  florid 
complexion,  he  thought  he  saw  the  head  of  a  man  of  about 
fifty  years.  It  is  true,  the  hair  which  covered  his  temples  in 
a  few  thin  tufts  was  snow-white,  and  so  was  the  mustache 
which  shaded  his  mouth  and  hung  down  on  both  sides  of  it, 
imparting  a  vigorous  and  martial  expression  to  the  whole  face, 
and  contrasting  with  his  bronzed  cheeks  and  flashing  eyes. 

Opposite  him,  in  the  niche  of  the  other  window,  sat  a  lady 
in  a  plain,  yet  elegant  toilet.  Small  brown  ringlets,  threaded 
here  and  there  with  white,  peeped  forth  from  the  lace  cap, 
trimmed  with  blue  ribbons,  and  a  gray  silk  dress,  reaching  to 
the  neck,  enveloped  her  slender  and  graceful  form.  Her 
countenance,  which  still  showed  traces  of  former  beauty,  was 
bent  over  her  embroidery,  and  her  white,  tapering  fingers, 
adorned  with  many  rings,  busily  plied  the  needle. 

The  old  gentleman  blew  dense  clouds  of  smoke  from  his 
long  clay  pipe,  and  nothing  broke  the  silence  save  the  parrot 
(in  a  large  gilded  cage  on  a  marble  pedestal  in  the  third 
window-niche),  uttering  from  time  to  time  a  loud  scream,  or 
exclaiming  in  a  sharp  voice,  "Good-morning!"  The  ticking 
of  the  bronze  clock  on  the  mantel-piece  at  the  other  end  of 
the  room  could  be  distinctly  heard.  Suddenly  the  old  gentle- 
man struck  the  window-board  so  violently  with  his  right  hand 
that  the  panes  rattled,  the  lady  gave  a  start,  and  the  parrot 
screeched.  "  Well,  now  it  is  all  right,"  he  exclaimed  sav- 
agely,— "it  snows  so  thickly  that  nothing  can  be  seen  at  a 
distance  of  twenty  yards.  The  roads  will  be  blocked  up 
again,  and  no  one  will  come  to  us  from  Neisse  to-day.  We 
shall  be  left  alone,  and  the  time  will  hang  as  heavily  with  us 
as  with  a  pug-dog  in  a  bandbox.  But,"  he  exclaimed,  jump- 
ing up  so  hastily  that  his  long  clay  pipe  broke  on  his  knee  and 
fell  in  small  pieces  on  the  floor,  "  it  is  all  right.  If  the  guests 
from  Neisse  do  not  come  to  me  I  will  go  to  them."  While 
uttering  these  words,  he  fixed  his  lustrous  eyes  on  the  lady, 
and  seemed  to  wait  for  a  reply  from  her;  but  she  remained 
silent,  and  seemed  to  ply  her  needle  even  more  industriously. 
"  Well,"  he  asked  at  last,  hesitatingly,  "what  do  you  say  to 
it,  Amelia?" 

"Nothing  at  all,  Blucher,"  she  replied,  without  looking  at 
him;  " for  you  did  not  ask  me  about  it." 

"Why,    that  is  an   agreeable    addition   to  this    horrible 


86  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

weather,  that  my  wife  should  pout!"  exclaimed  Blucher, 
casting  a  despairing  glance  at  the  sky.  He  then  looked  again 
at  his  wife.  She  was  still  bending  over  her  embroidery  and 
remained  silent.  He  approached,  and  seizing  both  her  hands 
with  gentle  violence,  took  the  embroidery  and  threw  it  away. 
"  Why  is  your  attention  directed  to  that  old  rag,  Amelia,  in- 
stead of  looking  at  me?"  he  said,  with  ill-restrained  anger. 
"Wife,  you  know  I  am  not  rude;  when  with  you  I  am  as 
gentle  as  a  lamb ;  but  you  must  not  pout,  Amelia,  for  that 
makes  me  angry.  And  now  speak — tell  me  honestly — what 
is  it?  What  have  I  done  to  you!" 

"  Nothing,"  she  said,  fixing  her  dark  eyes  upon  him  with  a 
sad  expression,  "nothing  at  all!" 

"Aha!  you  do  not  want  to  tell  me,"  exclaimed  Blucher, 
looking  at  her  uneasily,  "  but  I  know  it  nevertheless.  Yes,  I 
know  what  ails  you,  and  why  you  are  in  bad  humor  with  me. 
Will  you  give  me  a  kiss,  if  I  guess  what  it  is?"  She  nodded, 
and  an  almost  imperceptible  smile  played  around  her  finely- 
formed  lips.  "  Now,  listen,"  he  said,  drawing  her  to  himself, 
and  putting  his  hand  under  her  chin.  "  You  are  angry  be- 
casue  I  came  home  from  Neisse  so  late  last  night?" 

"  Last  night?"  she  asked.  "  I  believe  it  was  at  five  o'clock 
this  morning." 

"  Yes,  I  promised  you  to  be  back  at  five  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  because  the  doctor  said  the  night  air  is  injurious 
to  me,  and  would  increase  my  pains.  But,  you  see,  Amelia, 
it  would  not  do.  We  went  to  the  'Eessource, '  and  there  I 
met  some  old  friends — " 

"  And  there  we  played  faro,"  his  wife  intrrupted  him,  "and 
I  lost  the  two  hundred  louis  d'ors  with  which  I  desired  to  buy 
four  new  carriage-horses." 

"  Yes,  it  is  all  true,"  said  Blucher,  soothingly.  "  But  what 
matters  it?  In  the  first  place,  I  am  quite  well,  which  proves 
what  fools  the  doctors  are ;  they  think  they  know  every  thing, 
and,  in  fact,  know  nothing.  I  feel  no  pain,  ana  yet  have  in- 
haled the  night  air.  And  as  to  the  two  hundred  louis  d'ors 
— well,  I  am  almost  glad  that  I  lost  them,  for  I  amused  my- 
self. Do  you  know  who  was  among  the  gamblers?  Ex-Major 
von  Leesten!" 

"  Major  von  Leesten?"  asked  his  wife,  wonderingly.  "  But 
he  never  plays — he  is  so  sensible  a  gentleman,  that — 

"That  he  does  not  deal  cards,  you  mean?"  interrupted 
Blucher,  smiling.  "  Yes,  you  see,  I  am  also  a  sensible  man, 


GEBHARD  LEBERECHT  BLUCHER.         87 

but  I  deal  cards  sometimes,  and,  for  the  rest,  to  tell  you  the 
truth,  I  seduced  Major  von  Leesten  to  play  last  night." 

"That  was  very  wrong,"  said  Madame  von  Blucher,  in  a 
tone  of  gentle  reproach.  "  Leesten  is  poor ;  he  has  a  large 
family — five  full-grown  daughters,  who,  of  course,  will  not  be 
married  because  they  have  no  fortune.  And  now  you  seduce 
the  poor  man,  and  he  will  lose  the  last  penny  belonging  to  his 
family.  For  the  most  terrible  consequences  of  this  gambling 
passion  are,  that  it  deprives  men  of  reflection,  attachment  to 
their  family,  and  prudence.  A  man  who  is  addicted  to  play- 
ing cards,,  loves  nothing  but  his  cards;  every  thing  else  seems 
unimportant  to  him;  see  it  in  your  case,  Blucher,  and  it 
makes  my  heart  ache.  You  do  not  love  me,  your  time  hangs 
heavy  in  my  presence ;  the  card-table  is  your  only  pleasure, 
and  I  believe,  when  the  passion  seizes  you,  and  you  have  lost 
all  your  money,  you  would  stake  the  remainder  of  your  prop- 
erty on  a  card,  and  your  wife  to  boot!" 

Blucher  burst  into  loud  laughter.  "Why,"  he  exclaimed, 
"what  an  odd  idea  that  is!  I  stake  you  on  a  card,  you — " 

"  You  suppose  that  no  one  would  care  about  winning  me?" 
asked  Madame  von  Blucher,  smiling. 

"  No,  I  do  not  think  that,"  replied  Blucher,  suddenly  grow- 
ing serious.  "Why  should  no  one  care  about  winning  you? 
You  are  still  a  very  pretty  and  charming  little  woman ;  your 
eyes  still  flash  so  irresistibly,  your  lips  are  still  so  red  and  full, 
and — " 

"And  my  hair  is  beautifully  gray,"  she  interrupted  him, 
laughing,  "  and  I  am  so  astonishingly  young,  scarcely  fifty 
years  of  age!" 

"  AVell,  that  is  not  so  very  old,"  said  Blucher,  merrily.  "  I 
have  read  somewhat  a  story  about  one  Ulysses,  who,  in  times 
gone  by,  was  a  very  famous  and  shrewd  captain.  He  set  out 
to  wage  war  with  the  barbarians,  and  his  wife,  whose  name 
was  Penelope,  remained  at  home  with  his  son  Telemachus. 
Ulysses  was  absent  for  twenty  long  years,  and  when  he  re- 
turned home  he  found  fifty  suitors  who  were  all  courting  his 
beautiful  wife  Penelope.  Do  you  see,  fifty  suitors,  one  for 
every  year  of  Penelope's  age,  for  she  must  have  been  well- 
nigh  fifty  years  old  when  Ulysses  returned,  and  yet  she  was 
still  beautiful,  and  men  were  gallanting  about  her.  Why 
should  not  the  same  thing  happen  to  you,  as  you  are  scarcely 
forty-eight?  And  who  knows  whether  the  wife  of  Ulysses  was 
as  beautiful  and  good  as  you?  I  am  sure  she  was  not.  For  it 


88  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

seems  to  me  you  are  the  dearest  and  best  little  woman,  and 
look  precisely  as  you  did  twenty  years  ago,  when  you  were 
foolish  enough  to  marry  that  rough  old  soldier  Blucher,  who 
was  already  fifty  years  of  age." 

"Well,  that  was  not  so  very  foolish,"  said  Madame  von 
Blucher,  smiling;  "on  the  contrary,  it  was  very  well  done, 
and  but  for  those  abominable  playing-cards,  nothing  could  be 
better. " 

"  Ah,  the  shrewd  little  general  has,  by  an  adroit  movement, 
brought  us  back  to  the  old  battle-ground,"  exclaimed  Blucher. 
"We  have  arrived  again  at  last  night's  faro!  Now,  tell  me 
first  of  all — did  I  guess  right?  Were  you  not  angry  with  me 
because  I  returned  late?" 

"Yes,"  said  his  wife,  "that  was  the  reason." 

"Hurrah!  Just  as  I  thought!"  shouted  Blucher,  jubi- 
lantly. "Now,  quick,  pay  me  for  my  correct  guess!  You 
know,  you  were  to  give  me  a  kiss! — a  kiss  such  as  you  used  to 
give  me  twenty  years  ago!"  He  encircled  his  wife  with  his 
arms,  and  pressed  a  long  and  tender  kiss  on  her  lips. 

"Well,  are  you  pacified  now?"  he  then  asked.  "I  see  in 
your  eyes  that  you  are,  and  now,  come,  I  will  tell  you  all  that 
occurred  last  night.  You  see  the  money  is  gone,  and  what 
matters  it!  Money  is  destined  to  be  spent;  that  is  what  the 
good  Lord  gave  it  to  us  for,  and  men  made  it  round  that  it 
might  roll  away  more  rapidly.  If  it  were  to  remain,  they 
would  have  made  it  square,  when  the  fingers  could  hold  it 
better.  And,  then,  why  should  I  hold  it?  We  have  enough 
— more  than  enough;  our  two  daughters  are  married  to  rich 
men;  our  two  sons  are  provided  for;  our  estate  atKunzendorf 
will  not  roll  away,  for  it  is  not  round  and  brings  us  lots  of 
money,  and  I  am  sure  there  will  be  a  day  when  I  shall  win 
very  large  sums.  I  do  not  mean  at  the  gaming-table,  Amelia, 
but  on  the  battle-field.  I  shall  reconquer  to  the  king  his 
cities  and  provinces.  I  shall  take  from  Bonaparte  all  that  he 
has  stolen  from  Prussia ;  I — " 

"  You  intended  to  tell  me  what  occurred  last  night,"  inter- 
rupted his  wife,  who  heard  him,  to  her  dismay,  beginning 
again  the  philippic  against  Napoleon  which  he  had  repeated 
to  her  at  least  a  hundred  times. 

"Yes,  that  is  true,"  said  Blucher,  breathing  deeply,  "I 
wished  to  tell  you  about  Major  von  Leesten.  At  the  'Res- 
source'  I  met  yesterday  in  the  afternoon  an  old  friend  of  his, 
who  told  me  how  sad  and  unhappy  Leesten  was.  His  eldest 


GEBHARD  LEBERECHT  BLUCHER.        89 

daughter  is  betrothed  to  a  young  country  gentleman :  the  two 
young  folks  would  like  to  marry,  but  they  have  no  money. 
If  the  young  man  had  only  a  thousand  dollars,  he  might 
rent  an  estate  in  this  vicinity;  but,  in  order  to  do  so,  he 
must  give  a  thousand  dollars  security,  and  he  is  not  pos- 
sessed of  that  sum.  Leesten's  friend  told  me  all  this,  and  also 
how  disheartened  Leesten  was.  He  said  he  had  gone  to  all  sorts 
of  usurers,  but  no  one  would  lend  him  any  thing,  because  he 
could  not  furnish  security,  for  he  has  nothing  but  his  pension. " 

"  Poor  man !  And  could  not  his  friends  collect  the  amount 
and  give  it  to  him?" 

"  His  friends  have  not  any  thing  either!  "Who  has  any 
thing?  Every  one  is  poor  since  the  accursed  French  are  in 
the  country,  and  Bonaparte — " 

"  You  forget  again  your  story  of  Major  von  Leesten,  my 
friend." 

"  Oh,  yes.  His  friends  have  not  any  thing  either,  and  even 
if  they  had,  Leesten  would  not  accept  presents.  No,  believe 
me,  Amelia,  when  the  poor  are  exceedingly  prond,  they  would 
die  of  hunger  sooner  than  accept  alms  at  the  hands  of  a  good 
friend,  or  ask  him  for  a  sl'ce  of  bread  and  butter.  I  know 
all  about  it,  for  I  was  poor,  too,  and  starved  when  my  pay 
was  spent.  And  Leesten  is  proud  also;  alms  and  presents  he 
would  not  accept,  or  if  he  did,  for  the  sake  of  his  daughter, 
his  heart  would  burst  with  grief.  That  was  what  his  friend 
told  me;  I  pitied  him,  and  thought  I  should  like  to  call  on 
the  dear  major  and  shake  hands  with  him,  that  he  might  feel 
that  I  like  him,  and  that  he  has  friends,  how  poor  soever  he 
may  be.  Well,  I  went  with  his  friend  to  the  major.  He  was 
glad  to  see  us  and  took  pains  to  be  merry,  but  I  saw  very  well 
that  he  was  sad ;  that  his  laughter  was  not  genuine,  and  that, 
as  soon  as  some  one  else  spoke,  he  grew  gloomy.  But  I  did 
not  ask  what  ailed  him ;  I  feigned  not  to  see  any  thing,  and 
begged  him  to  accompany  us  and  spend  a  pleasant  evening 
with  a  few  friends.  He  refused  at  first  to  do  so,  but  I  suc- 
ceeded in  overcoming  his  resistance,  and  I  am  not  sorry  by 
any  means  that  I  did,  for  the  poor  major  grew  quite  cheerful 
at  last ;  he  forgot  his  grief,  drank  some  good  wine  with  us, — 
more,  perhaps,  than  he  had  drunk  for  a  year,  and  then  played 
a  little  faro  with  us  for  the  first  time  in  his  life.  Well,  we 
were  all  in  the  best  spirits,  and  that  was  the  reason  why  I  re- 
mained so  long  and  came  home  so  late.  It  was  Major  von 
Leesten's  fault,  and  now  my  story  is  at  an  end!" 
7 


90  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"No,  it  is  not!"  exclaimed  Amelia.  "  You  have  not  yet 
told  me  every  thing,  Blucher.  You  have  not  told  me  who 
won  your  two  hundred  louis  d'ors  for  which  you  intended  to 
purchase  four  new  carriage-horses?" 

"Yes,  that  was  curious,"  said  Blucher,  composedly,  strok- 
ing his  long  white  mustache — "  that  was  really  curious. 
Leesten  had  never  before  handled  a  card ;  he  did  not  know 
the  game,  and  yet  he  won  from  such  an  old  gambler  as  I  am 
two  hundred  louis  d'ors  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours.  Lee- 
sten won  the  money  that  was  to  pay  for  the  carriage-horses, 
and  you  may  give  him  thanks  for  being  compelled  to  drive 
for  six  months  longer  with  our  lame  old  mares." 

A  sunbeam,  as  it  were,  illuminated  Amelia's  countenance ; 
her  eyes  shone,  and  her  cheeks  were  glowing  with  joy. 
Quickly  putting  her  hands  on  Blucher's  shoulders,  she  looked 
up  to  him  with  a  smile.  "  You  made  him  win  the  money, 
Gebhard,"  she  said,  in  a  voice  tremulous  with  emotion.  Oh, 
do  not  shake  your  head — tell  me  the  truth !  You  made  Lee- 
sten win,  because  you  wished  to  preserve  him  from  the  neces- 
sity of  accepting  alms.  You  made  him  win,  that  his 
daughter  might  marry." 

"Nonsense!"  said  Blucher,  growlingly,  "how  could  I  make 
him  win  when  he  did  not  really  win?  He  would  have  found 
it  out,  and,  besides,  I  would  have  been  a  cheat.'' 

"  He  did  not  find  it  out  because  you  made  him  drink  so 
much  wine,  and  because  he  knoAvs  nothing  about  the  game; 
and  you  are  no  cheat,  because  you  intentionally  made  him 
win;  on  the  contrary,  you  are  a  noble,  magnanimous  man 
whom  Heaven  must  love.  Oh,  dear,  dearest  husband,  tell  me 
the  truth ;  let  me  enjoy  the  happiness  that  I  have  guessed 
right !  You  did  so  intentionally,  did  you  not?  The  cards  did 
not  bring  so  much  good  luck  to  Leesten,  but  Blucher  did!" 

"Hush!  do  not  say  that  so  loudly,"  exclaimed  Blucher, 
looking  anxiously  around ;  "  if  any  one  should  hear  and  re- 
peat it,  and  Leesten  should  find  out  how  the  thing  occurred, 
the  fellow  would  return  the  money  to  me." 

"  Ah,  now  you  have  betrayed  yourself — you  have  confessed 
that  you  lost  the  money  intentionally,"  exclaimed  Amelia, 
jubilantly.  "  Oh,  thanks,  thanks,  my  noble  and  generous 
friend !"  She  took  his  hands  with  passionate  tenderness,  and 
pressed  them  to  her  lips. 

"  But,  Amelia,  what  are  you  doing?"  said  Blucher,  with' 
drawing  his  hands  in  confusion.  "  Why,  you  are  weeping!" 


GEBHARD  LEBERECHT  BLUCHER.        91 

"Oh,  they  are  tears  of  joy,"  she  said,  nodding  to  him  \\it\i 
a  blissful  smile — "  tears  which  I  am  weeping  for  my  glorious, 
dear  Blucher!" 

"  Oh,  you  are  too  good,"  said  Blucher,  whose  face  suddenly 
grew  gloomy.  "I  am  nothing  but  an  old,  pensioned  soldier 
— a  rusty  s word  flung  into  a  corner.  I  am  an  invalid  whom 
they  believe  to  be  childish,  because  he  thinks  he  might  still  be 
useful,  and  the  fatherland  might  need  him.  But  I  tell  you, 
Amelia,  if  I  ever  should  become  childish  it  would  be  on  ac- 
count of  the  course  pursued  toward  me;  why,  I  am  dismissed 
from  the  service;  I  am  refused  any  thing  to  do;  I  am  desired 
to  be  idle,  and  the  king  has  given  me  this  accursed  estate  of 
Kunzendorf,  not  as  a  reward,  nor  from  love,  but  to  get  rid  of 
me,  and  because  he  is  afraid  of  the  French.  When  he  gave 
it  to  me  last  spring,  he  wrote  that  I  ought  to  set  out  for 
Kunzendorf  immediately,  and  live  and  remain  there,  as  it  be- 
hooved every  nobleman,  in  the  midst  of  my  peasants.  But 
his  real  object  was  to  send  me  into  exile ;  he  did  not  wish  me 
to  remain  in  Berlin!" 

"  Well,  he  had  to  comply  with  the  urgent  recommendations 
of  his  ministers,"  said  Madame  von  Blucher,  smiling.  "  You 
know  very  well  that  all  the  ministers  of  the  king,  with  the 
sole  exception  of  Hardenberg,  are  friends  of  the  French,  and 
think  that  Prussia  would  be  lost  if  she  should  not  faithfully 
stand  by  France." 

"  They  are  traitors  when  they  entertain  such  infamous  sen- 
timents," cried  Blucher,  wildly  stamping  with  his  foot;  "  they 
should  hang  the  fellows  who  are  so  mean  and  cowardly  as  to 
think  that  Prussia  would  be  lost  if  her  mortal  enemy  did  not 
condescend  to  sustain  her.  Ah,  if  the  king  had  listened  to 
me  only  once,  we  should  have  long  since  driven  the  French 
out  of  the  country,  and  our  poor  soldiers  would  not  freeze  to 
death  in  Ixussia  as  auxiliaries  of  Bonaparte.  When  the  danger 
is  greatest,  every  thing  must  be  risked  in  order  to  win  every 
thing,  and  when  a  fellow  tries  to  deceive  and  insult  me,  I  do 
not  consider  much  whether  I  had  better  endure  him  because 
may  be  weaker  than  he  is,  but,  before  he  suspects  it,  I  knock 
him  down  if  1  can.  You  see,  that  is  defending  one's  life; 
this  is  what  the  learned  call  philosophy.  But,  dearest 
Amelia,  there  is  but  one  philosophy  in  life,  and  it  is  this: 
'He  who  trusts  in  God  and  defends  himself  bravely  will  never 
miserably  perish.'  Now,  the  king  and  his  ministers  know 
only  one-half  of  this  philosophy,  and  that  is  the  reason  why 


92  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  whole  thing  goes  wrong.  They  mean  to  trust  in  God, 
even  though,  from  their  blind  trust  alone,  all  Prussia  fall  to 
ruins;  but  as  for  bravely  defending  themselves,  that  is  what 
they  do  not  understand.  It  is  too  much  like  old  Blucher's 
way  of  doing  things,  and  that  is  the  reason  why  the  learned 
gentlemen  do  not  like  it.  Ah!  Amelia,  when  I  think  of  all 
the  wretchedness  of  Prussia,  and  that  I  may  have  to  die 
without  having  chastised  Bonaparte — without  having  wrested 
from  him,  and  flung  into  his  face,  the  laurels  of  Jena,  Eylau, 
and  Friedland — ah,  then  I  feel  like  sitting  down  and  crying 
like  a  boy.  But  Heaven  cannot  be  so  cruel ;  it  will  not  let 
me  die  before  meeting  Bonaparte  on  the  field  of  battle,  and 
avenging  all  our  wrongs  upon  him.  No,  I  trust  I  will  not  die 
before  that — and,  after  all,  I  am  quite  young!  Only  seventy 
years  of  age!  My  grandfather  died  in  his  ninetieth  year, 
and  my  mother  told  me  often  enough  that  I  looked  exactly 
like  my  grandfather ;  I  shall,  therefore,  reach  my  ninetieth 
year.  I  have  still  twenty  years  to  live — twenty  years,  that 
is  enough — "  Just  then  the  door  opened,  and  a  footman 
entered. 

"  Well,  John,"  asked  Blucher,  "what  is  it?  Why  do  you 
look  so  merry,  my  boy  ?  I  suppose  you  have  good  news  for  us, 
have  you  not?" 

"I  have,  your  excellency,"  said  the  footman.  "There  is 
an  old  man  outside,  an  invalid,  attended  by  a  young  fellow 
who,  I  believe,  is  his  son.  The  two  have  come  all  the  way 
from  Pomerania,  and  want  to  see  General  von  Blucher.  He 
says  he  has  important  news  for  your  excellency." 

"  Important  news?"  asked  Blucher.  "  And  he  comes  from 
Pomerania?  John,  I  hope  it  will  not  be  one  who  wants  to 
tell  me  the  same  old  story?" 

"  Your  excellency,  I  believe  that  is  what  he  comes  for,"  said 
John,  grinning. 

"Amelia,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  bursting  into  loud  laughter, 
"  there  is  another  fellow  who  wants  to  tell  me  that  he  took 
me  prisoner  fifty  years  since.  I  believe  it  is  already  the 
seventh  rascal  who  says  he  was  the  man." 

"  The  seventh  who  wants  to  get  money  from  you  and  swin- 
dle you,"  said  Madame  von  Blucher,  smiling. 

"No,  I  believe  they  do  not  exactly  want  to  swindle  me," 
said  Blucher,  "  but  I  know  they  like  to  get  a  little  money, 
and  as  they  do  not  want  to  beg — " 

"  They  come  and  lie,"  interrupted  Amelia,  smiling.     "  They 


GEBHARD  LEBERECHT  BLUCHER.  93 

know  already  that  General  Blucher  gives  a  few  louis  d'ors  to 
every  one  who  comes  and  says,  '  General,  it  was  I  who  took 
you  prisoner  in  Mecklenburg  in  1760,  and  brought  you  to  the 
Prussians.  You,  therefore,  are  indebted  to  me  for  all  your 
glory  and  your  happiness. ' ' 

"  Yes,  it  is  true,"  said  Blucher,  laughing  and  smoothing 
his  mustache.  "  That  is  what  all  six  of  them  said.  But  one 
of  them  did  take  me  prisoner,  for  the  story  is  true,  and  if  I 
turn  away  one  of  those  who  tell  me  the  same  thing,  why,  I 
might  happen  to  hit  precisely  the  man  who  took  me,  and  that 
would  be  a  great  shame.  Therefore,  it  is  better  I  imagine  a 
whole  squadron  had  taken  me  at  that  time,  and  give  money  to 
every  one  who  comes  to  me  for  it.  Even  though  he  may  not 
be  the  man,  why,  he  is  at  least  an  old  hussar,  and  I  shall 
never  turn  an  old  hussar  without  a  little  present  from  my 
door."* 

"  Well,  I  see  you  want  to  bid  welcome  to  your  seventh  hero 
and  conqueror,"  said  Amelia,  smiling.  "Very  well,  I  will 
quit  the  field  and  retire  into  my  cabinet.  Farewell,  my 
friend,  and  when  your  hero  has  taken  leave  of  you,  I  will 
await  you."  She  nodded  pleasantly  to  her  husband,  and  left 
the  room. 

"  Well,  John,"  said  Blucher,  sitting  down  again  on  his  easy- 
chair  at  the  window,  "now  let  the  men  come  in.  But  first 
fill  me  a  pipe.  You  must  take  a  new  one,  for  I  broke  the 
one  I  was  smoking  this  morning." 

John  hastened  to  the  elegant  "  pipe-board  "  which  stood  be- 
side the  fireplace,  and  took  from  it  an  oblong,  plain  wooden 
box ;  opening  the  lid,  he  drew  a  new,  long  clay  pipe  from  it. 

"  How  many  pipes  are  in  it  yet?"  asked  Blucher,  hastily. 
"A  good  lot,  John?" 

"No,  your  excellency,  only  seven  whole  pipes,  and  eight 
broken  ones." 

"  You  may  ride  to  Neisse  to-morrow,  and  buy  a  box  of 
pipes.  Now,  give  me  one,  and  let  the  hussar  and  his  son 
come  in." 

*  Blucher 's  own  words.— Vide  "  Life  of  Prince  Blucher  of  Wahlstatt,  by  Varn- 
hagen  von  Ense, "  p.  8. 


94  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

CHAPTEE    X. 

RECOLLECTIONS   OF   MECKLENBURG. 

JOHN,  the  footman,  opened  the  door  of  the  anteroom,  and 
shouted  in  a  loud  and  solemn  voice,  "  Your  excellency,  here  is 
Hennemann,  the  hussar,  and  his  son  Christian!" 

"Well,  come  in!"  said  Blucher,  good-naturedly,  puffing  a 
cloud  of  smoke  from  his  pipe. 

An  old  man  with  silver-white  hair,  his  bent  form  clad  in 
the  old  and  faded  uniform  of  a  hussar,  and  holding  his  old- 
fashioned  shako  in  his  hand,  entered  the  room.  He  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  young  man,  wearing  the  costume  of  a  North- 
German  farmer,  his  heavy  yellow  hair  combed  backward  and 
fastened  with  a  large  round  comb;  his  full,  vigorous  form 
dressed  in  a  long  blue  cloth  coat,  reaching  down  almost  to  his 
feet,  and  lined  with  white  flannel;  under  it  he  wore  trousers 
of  dark-green  velvet  that  descended  only  to  the  knees,  and 
joined  there  the  blue-and-red  stocking's  in  which  his  legs  were 
encased;  his  feet  were  armed  with  thick  shoes,  adorned  with 
buckles,  while  their  soles  bristled  with  large  nails. 

"  Where  do  you  come  from?"  asked  Blucher,  fixing  his  eyes 
with  a  kind  expression  on  the  two  men. 

"From  Rostock,  your  excellency,"  said  the  old  man,  mak- 
ing a  respectful  obeisance. 

"From  Rostock?"  asked  Blucher,  joyously.  "  Why,  that 
is  my  native  city." 

"I  know  that  very  well,  general,"  said  the  old  hussar,  who 
vainly  tried  to  hide  his  Low-German  accent.  "  All  Rostock 
knows  it,  too,  and  every  child  there  boasts  of  Blucher  being 
our  countryman." 

"Well,"  said  Blucher,  smiling,  "then  you  come  from  Ro- 
stock. Do  you  live  there?" 

"Not  exactly  in  Rostock,  your  excellency.  My  daughter 
Frederica  is  married  to  a  tailor  in  Rostock,  and  I  was  with 
her  for  four  weeks.  I  myself  live  at  Polchow,  a  nobleman's 
estate  four  miles  from  Rostock ;  I  am  there  at  the  house  of  my 
eldest  son." 

"Is  that  your  eldest  son?"  asked  Blucher,  pointing  with 
his  clay  pipe  at  the  young  man,  who  stood  by  the  side  of  his 
aged  father,  and  was  turning  his  hat  in  his  hand  in  an  em- 
barrassed manner. 


RECOLLECTIONS  OP  MECKLENBURG.       95 

"  No,  sir,  he  is  my  youngest  son,  and  it  is  just  for  his  sake 
that  I  have  come  to  you.  Christian  was  a  laborer  in  the  ser- 
vice of  our  nobleman  at  Polchow,  and  he  desired  to  marry  a 
girl  with  whom  he  had  fallen  in  love.  But  the  nobleman 
would  not  permit  it;  he  said  Christian  should  wait  some  ten 
years  until  there  was  a  house  vacant  in  the  village,  and  some 
of  the  old  peasants  had  died.  This  drove  him  to  despair;  he 
wanted  to  commit  suicide,  and  said  he  would  die  rather  than 
be  a  day  laborer  on  an  estate  in  Mecklenburg,  which  is  no 
better  than  being  the  nobleman's  slave." 

"Yes,"  cried  Christian,  indignantly,  "  that  is  true,  general. 
A  day  laborer  on  an  estate  in  Mecklenburg  is  a  slave,  that  is 
all.  The  nobleman  owns  him.  If  he  wants  to  do  so,  he  may 
disable  him,  nay,  he  may  kill  him.  Such  a  laborer  has  no 
rights,  no  will,  no  property,  no  home,  no  country;  he  is  not 
allowed  to  live  anywhere  but  in  his  village ;  he  cannot  settle 
in  any  other  place,  and  is  not  permitted  to  marry  unless  the 
nobleman  who  owns  the  village  gives  his  consent,  nor  can  he 
ever  be  any  thing  else  than  what  his  father  and  grandfather 
were,  that  is  to  say,  the  nobleman's  laborers.  And  I  do  not 
wish  to  be  such  and  do  nothing  else  than  putting  the  horses 
to  the  plough.  I  want  to  marry  Frederica,  and  become  a  free 
man,  and  if  that  cannot  be  I  will  commit  suicide." 

"Ahem!  he  has  young  blood,"  said  Blucher,  well  pleased 
and  smiling,  "fresh  Mecklenburgian  blood.  I  like  that! 
But  you  must  not  abuse  Mecklenburg,  Christian;  I  love 
Mecklenburg,  because  it  is  my  native  country." 

"  It  is  a  good  country  for  noblemen  who  have  money,"  said 
Christian,  "  but  for  day  laborers  who  have  none  it  is  a  poor 
country.  And  that  was  the  reason  why  I  said  to  the  old 
man,  '  Vatting,*  shall  I  commit  suicide  or  run  away  and 
anlist.' " 

"  And  I  then  said,  'Well,  my  son,  in  that  case  it  will  be  bet- 
ter for  you  to  enlist,'  "  added  the  old  man,  "'and,  moreover, 
you  shall  enlist  under  a  good  general.  I  will  show  you  that  my 
life  is  yet  good  for  something;  I  will  do  for  your  sake  what  I 
have  purposed  to  do  all  my  lifetime:  I  will  go  to  General 
Blucher,  tell  him  whom  I  am,  and  ask  him  to  reward  my  boy 
for  what  I  did  for  him. ' ' 

Blucher  looked  with  a  good-natured  smile  at  the  poor  old 
man  who  stood  before  him  in  the  faded  and  threadbare  uni- 
form of  a  private  soldier. 

»  "  Vatting,"  Low-German  for  "papa." 


90  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHEE. 

"Well,  my  old  friend,"  he  said,  "what  have  you  done  for 
me,  then?" 

The  old  man  raised  his  head,  and  a  solemn  expression  over- 
spread his  bronzed  and  furrowed  countenance.  "General," 
he  said,  gravely,  "  it  was  I  who  took  you  prisoner  in  Mecklen- 
burg in  1760,  and  to  me,  therefore,  you  are  indebted  for  all 
your  glory  and  happiness." 

Blucher  covered  his  face  with  his  hands,  that  the  old  man 
might  not  see  his  smile.  "  It  is  just  as  Amelia  told  me  it, 
would  be,"  he  said  to  himself.  He  then  added  aloud :  "  Well, 
tell  me  the  story,  that  I  may  see  whether  it  was  really  you 
who  took  me  prisoner." 

"  It  is  a  long  story,"  said  the  old  man,  sighing,  "and  if  I 
am  to  tell  it,  I  must  ask  a  favor  of  your  excellency." 

"Well,  what  is  it?  Speak,  my  old  friend,"  said  Blucher, 
puffing  a  cloud  from  his  pipe,  and  satisfied  that  the  old  hus- 
sar would  apply  to  him  for  money. 

"  I  must  beg  leave  to  sit  down,  general,"  said  the  old  man, 
timidly.  "  We  have  come  on  foot  all  the  way  from  Kostock, 
and  it  is  only  fifteen  minutes  since  we  reached  this  village. 
We  took  only  time  enough  at  the  tavern  to  change  our  dress ; 
I  put  on  my  uniform,  and  Christian  put  on  his  Sunday  coat. 
I  am  eighty  years  old,  general,  and  my  legs  are  not  as  strong 
as  they  used  to  be." 

"Eighty  years'  old!"  exclaimed  Blucher,  jumping  up, 
"  eighty  years  old,  and  you  have  come  on  foot  all  the  way 
from  Eostock !  Why,  that  is  impossible !  Christian,  tell  me, 
that  cannot  be  true!" 

"  Yes,  general,  it  is  true.  We  have  been  on  the  way  for 
three  weeks  past,  for  the  old  man  cannot  walk  very  fast,  and 
we  had  not  money  enough  to  ride.  We  had  to  be  thankful 
for  having  enough  to  pay  for  our  beds  at  the  taverns.  And 
my  father  is  more  than  eighty  years  of  age !  We  have  brought 
his  certificate  of  birth  with  us." 

"  Eighty  years  of  age,  and  he  came  on  foot  all  the  way  from 
Rostock,  and  I  allow  the  old  man  to  stand  and  offer  him  no 
chair!"  exclaimed  Blucher, — "I  do  not  ask  whether  he  is 
hungry  and  thirsty !  John!  John!"  And  Blucher  rushed  to 
the  bell-rope  and  rang  the  bell  so  violently  that  John  entered 
the  room  in  great  excitement.  "John,  quick!"  shouted 
Blucher.  "  Quick,  a  bottle  of  wine,  two  glasses,  and  bread, 
butter,  and  ham ;  and  tell  them  in  the  kitchen  to  prepare  a 
good  dinner  for  these  men,  and  have  a  room  with  two  beds 


RECOLLECTIONS  OF  MECKLENBURG.  97 

made  ready  for  them  in  the  adjoining  house.  Quick,  John! 
In  five  minutes  the  wine  and  the  other  things  must  be  here! 
Kun!" 

John  hastened  out  of  the  room,  and  Blucher  approached  the 
old  man,  who  looked  on,  speechless  and  deeply  moved  by  the 
kind  zeal  the  general  had  displayed  in  his  behalf. 

"  Come,  my  dear  friend,"  said  Blucher,  kindly,  taking  him 
by  the  hand  and  conducting  him  across  the  room  to  his  favor- 
ite seat  at  the  window.  "  There,  sit  down  on  my  easy-chair 
and  rest." 

"No,  general,  no;  that  would  be  disrespectful!" 

"Fiddlesticks!"  replied  Blucher;  "an  octogenarian  is  en- 
titled to  more  respect  than  a  general's  epaulets  are.  Now  do 
not  refuse,  but  sit  down!"  And  with  his  vigorous  arms  he 
pressed  him  into  the  easy-chair.  He  then  quietly  took  his 
clay  pipe  from  the  window,  and  sat  down  on  a  cane  chair  op- 
posite the  old  hussar.  "And  now  tell  me  the  story  of  my 
arrest  as  a  prisoner.  I  promise  you  that  I  will  believe  it  all." 

"General,  you  may  believe  nothing  but  what  is  true,"  re- 
plied the  old  man,  solemnly. 

Blucher  nodded.  "Commence,"  he  said,  "but  no — wait  a 
while!  There  is  John  with  the  wine  and  the  bread  and 
butter.  Now  eat  and  drink  first." 

"  I  cannot  eat,  for  I  am  not  hungry.  But,  if  the  general 
will  permit  me,  I  will  drink  a  glass  of  wine." 

"Come,  John,  two  glasses! — fill  them  to  the  brim!  And 
now,  my  friend,  let  us  drink.  Here's  to  our  native  country!" 
Blucher  filled  his  glass  with  claret;  his  eyes  flashed,  and  hia 
face  kindled  with  the  fire  of  youth,  when  he,  the  young 
septuagenarian,  touched  with  his  glass  that  of  the  feeble  octo- 
genarian. "Hurrah,  my  old  countryman,"  he  shouted,  jubi- 
lantly, "long  live  Mecklenburg!  long  live  Kostock  and  the 
shore  of  the  Baltic !  Now  empty  your  glass,  my  friend,  and 
you,  John,  fill  it  again,  and  then  put  the  wine  and  the  bread 
and  butter  on  the  table  beside  the  fireplace,  that  Christian  may 
help  himself.  Eat  and  drink,  Christian,  but  do  not  stir,  or 
say  a  word,  for  we  two  old  ones  have  to  speak  with  each 
other.  Now  tell  me  the  story,  my  old  friend!" 

"Well,"  said  the  old  man,  putting  down  his  empty  glass, 
"  I  had  run  away  from  my  parents  because  I  was  just  in  the 
same  difficulty  as  Christian:  I  did  not  wish  to  remain  a  day 
laborer.  I  also  wanted  to  marry,  and  the  nobleman  would 
not  let  me.  Well,  I  ran  away,  and  enlisted  in  Old  Fritz's 


98  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

arm}',  in  Colonel  Selling's  regiment  of  hussars.  It  was  in 
1760;  we  had  a  great  deal  to  do  at  that  time;  we  were  every 
day  skirmishing  with  the  Swedes,  for  we  were  stationed  in 
Mecklenburg,  and  the  Swedes  were  so  dreadfully  bold  as  to 
make  raids  throughout  Brandenburg  and  Mecklenburg.  One 
day,  I  believe  it  was  in  August,  1760,  just  when  we,  Belling's 
hussars,  occupied  the  towpath  close  to  Friedlarid  in  Mecklen- 
burg, another  detachment  of  Swedish  hussars  approached  to 
harass  us.  They  were  headed  by  a  little  ensign — a  handsome 
young  lad,  scarcely  twenty  years  of  age,  a  very  impertinent 
baby !  And  this  young  rascal  rode  closely  to  the  old  hussars, 
and  commenced  to  crow  in  his  sweet  little  voice,  abusing  us, 
and  told  us  at  last,  if  we  were  courageous  enough,  to  come 
on;  he  had  not  had  his  breakfast,  he  said,  and  would  like  to 
swallow  about  a  dozen  of  Belling's  hussars.  Well,  the  other 
hussars  rejoiced  in  the  pluck  of  the  young  fellow,  and  a  hand- 
some lad  he  was,  with  clear  blue  eyes  and  red  cheeks.  But 
his  saucy  taunts  irritated  me,  and  when  the  little  ensign  con- 
tinued laughing,  and  telling  us  we  were  cowards,  I  became 
very  angry,  galloped  up  to  him  and  shouted:  'Now,  you 
little  imp,  I  will  kill  you !' ' 

"  Sure  enough,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  in  surprise,  "  that  was 
what  the  hussar  shouted.  It  seems  to  me  as  though  I  hear  it 
still  sounding  in  my  ears.  But  none  of  the  other  hussars  told 
me  this;  it  is  new,  and  it  is  true.  Hennemann,  could  it  be 
possible  that  you  should  really  be  the  man  who  took  me 
prisoner  at  that  time?" 

"  Listen  to  the  remainder  of  my  story,  general,  and  you 
will  soon  find  out  whether  it  was  I  or  not.  I  galloped  up  to 
him,  and  while  the  Prussians  and  Swedes  were  fighting,  I 
fixed  my  eyes  on  my  merry  little  ensign;  when  I  was  quite 
close  to  him,  I  shot  down  his  horse.  The  ensign  was  unable 
then  to  offer  much  resistance,  and,  besides,  I  was  a  very 
strong,  active  man.  I  took  him  by  the  collar  and  put  him 
on  my  horse  in  front  of  me." 

"And  the  ensign  submitted  to  that  without  defending 
himself?"  asked  Blucher,  angrily. 

"  By  no  means!  On  the  contrary,  he  was  as  red  in  the  face 
as  a  crawfish,  and  resisting  struck  me.  I  held  his  arms  fast, 
but  he  disengaged  himself  with  so  violent  a  jerk  that  the  yel- 
low facings  of  his  right  sleeve  remained  in  my  hand." 

"That  is  true,"  exclaimed  Blucher. 

"Yes,  it  is  true,"  said  the 'old  man,  calmly;    "but  it  is 


RECOLLECTIONS    OF  MECKLENBURG.  99 

true  also  that  I  got  hold  again  of  the  ensign  and  took  him  to 
Colonel  von  Belling,  to  whom  I  stated  that  I  had  captured 
the  handsome  lad.  The  colonel  liked  his  face  and  courageous 
bearing;  he  kept  the  Swedish  ensign  at  his  headquarters, 
where  he  appointed  him  cornet  the  next  day,  and  made  the 
little  Ensign  Blucher  apply  to  the  Swedes  for  permission  to 
quit  their  service." 

"And  I  got  my  discharge,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  quite  ab- 
sorbed in  his  reminiscences,  "  and  became  a  Prussian  soldier. 
Good,  brave  Colonel  Belling  bought  me  the  necessary  equip- 
ment, and  appointed  me  his  aide-de-camp  and  lieutenant. 
The  Lord  have  mercy  on  his  dear  soul!  Belling  was  an  excel- 
lent man,  and  I  am  indebted  to  him  for  all  I  am." 

"No,  general,"  said  Hennemann,  "it  is  to  me  that  you  are 
indebted,  for  if  I  had  not  taken  you  prisoner  at  that  time — " 

"Sure  enough,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  laughing,  "if  you  had 
not  taken  me  prisoner,  I  should  now  be  a  poor  old  pensioned 
Swedish  veteran.  But  you  certainly  took  me  prisoner,  I 
really  believe  you  did!" 

"I  have  the  proofs  that  I  did,"  said  the  old  man  solemnly. 
"Christian!" 

"Here  I  am,  vatting,"  said  Christian,  rising.  "What  do 
you  want?" 

"  Give  me  the  memorandum-book  with  the  papers." 

Christian  drew  from  his  blue  coat  a  red  morocco  memoran- 
dum-book and  handed  it  to  his  father.  "Here,  vatting,"  he 
said,  "  every  thing  is  in  it,  the  certificate  of  birth,  the  enlist- 
ment paper,  the  discharge,  and  the  other  thing." 

"I  just  want  to  get  the  other  thing,"  said  the  old  man, 
opening  the  memorandum-book,  "and  here  it  is!"  He  took 
out  a  yellow  piece  of  cloth  and  handed  it  to  Blucher. 

"It  is  a  piece  of  my  sleeve!"  exclaimed  Blucher,  joyously, 
holding  up  the  piece  of  cloth.  "Yes,  Hennemann,  it  was 
really  you  who  took  me  prisoner,  and  I  am  indebted  to  you 
for  being  a  Prussian  general  to-day !  And  I  promise  you  that 
I  will  now  pay  you  a  good  ransom.  Give  me  your  hand,  old 
fellow;  we  ought  to  remain  near  each  other.  Fifty-two  years 
since  you  took  me  prisoner,  but  now  I  take  you  prisoner  in 
turn,  and  you  must  remain  with  me;  you  shall  live  at  ease, 
and  at  times  in  the  evening  you  must  tell  me  of  Mecklenburg, 
and  how  it  looks  there,  and  of  Rostock,  and — well,  and  when 
you  are  in  good  spirits,  you  must  sing  to  me  a  Low-German 
song!" 


100  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Mercy!"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  in  dismay;  "I  caunot 
sing,  general.  I  am  eighty  years  old,  and  old  age  has  dried 
up  the  fountain  of  my  song." 

"Sure  enough,  you  are  eighty  years  old,"  said  Blucher, 
puffing  his  pipe,  "and  at  that  age  few  persons  are  able  to 
sing.  But  I  should  really  like  to  hear  again  a  merry  native 
song.  I  have  not  heard  one  for  fifty  years,  for  here,  you  see, 
Hennemann,  people  are  so  stupid  and  ignorant  as  not  even  to 
understand  Low-German." 

"I  believe  that,"  said  the  old  man,  gravely,  "and  it  is  not 
so  easy  to  understand — one  must  be  a  native  of  Mecklenburg 
to  understand  it." 

"It  is  a  pity  that  you  cannot  sing,"  said  Blucher,  sighing. 

"But,  perhaps  Christian  can,"  said  old  Hennemann. 
"Tell  me,  Christian,  can  you  sing?" 

"Yes,  vatting,"  replied  Christian,  clearing  his  throat. 

"'Vatting!'"  exclaimed  Blucher.  "What  does  that 
mean?" 

"  Well,  it  means  that  he  loves  his  father,  and  therefore  calls 
him,  in  good  Mecklenburg  style,  'vatting.' ' 

"Sure  enough,  I  remember  now,"  exclaimed  Blucher. 
"  Vatting !  mutting !  *  Yes,  yes ;  I  have  often  used  these  words, 
'mutting — my  mutting!'  Ah,  it  seems  to  me  as  though  I  be- 
hold the  beautiful  blue  eyes  of  my  mother  when  she  looked  at 
me  so  mildly  and  lovingly  and  said,  'You  are  a  wild,  reckless 
boy,  (rebhard;  I  am  afraid  yon  will  come  to  grief!'  Then  I 
used  to  beg  her,  'My  mutting,  my  mutting!  I  will  no  longer 
be  a  bad  boy !  I  will  not  be  naughty !  Do  not  be  angry  any 
more,  my  mutting!'  And  she  always  forgave  me,  and  inter- 
ceded for  me  with  my  father,  whenever  he  was  incensed 
against  me,  and  scolded  me,  because,  instead  of  studying  my 
books  and  going  to  school,  I  was  always  loitering  about  the 
fields  or  hunting  in  the  woods.  At  last,  when  I  was  fourteen 
years  old,  and  was  still  an  incorrigible  scapegrace,  they  sent 
me  to  the  island  of  Riigen,  to  my  sister,  who  was  married  to 
Baron  von  Krackwitz.  But  I  did  not  stay  there  very  long. 
The  Swedes  came  to  the  island,  and  I  could  not  withstand 
the  desire  to  become  a  soldier;  therefore,  I  ran  away  from 
the  island  and  enlisted  in  the  Swedish  army.  Well,  I  had  to 
do  so,  I  could  not  help  it,  for  it  was  in  my  nature.  Up  to 
that  time  I  was  like  a  fish  on  dry  land,  moving  his  tail  in 
every  direction  without  crushing  a  fly;  when  I  got  into  the 

*  "Mutting,"  mamma. 


RECOLLECTIONS  OF  MECKLENBURG.  101 

water  it  was  all  right.  If  I  had  been  kept  much  longer  out, 
I  would  have  died  very  soon.*  When  I  was  now  in  the  water 
— that  is  to  say,  when  I  was  a  soldier,  I  lost  my  mother;  I 
never  saw  her  again,  and  know  only  that  she  wept  a  great  deal 
for  me.  And  I  never  was  able  to  beg  her  to  forgive  me,  and 
tell  her,  'Do  not  be  angry,  my  dear  mutting!'  I  was  a  dash- 
ing young  soldier,  and  she  was  weeping  for  me  at  Rostock, 
for  she  believed  I  would  come  to  grief.  Well,  I  was  first  lieu- 
tenant in  some  Prussian  fortress  when  they  wrote  to  me  that 
my  mother  was  dead.  Yes,  she  had  died  and  I  was  not  at  her 
bedside ;  I  was  never  able  to  say  to  her  for  the  last  time, 
'Forgive  me,  my  mutting!'  But  now  I  say  so  from  the  bot- 
tom of  my  heart."  While  uttering  these  words,  Blucher 
raised  his  head  and  fixed  his  large  eyes  with  a  touching  and 
childlike  expression  on  the  wintry  sky." 

Old  Hennemann  devoutly  clasped  his  hands,  and  tears  ran 
slowly  down  his  furrowed  cheeks.  Christian  stood  at  the 
door,  and  dried  his  eyes  with  his  coat-sleeve. 

"Thunder  and  lightning,"  suddenly  exclaimed  Blucher, 
"  how  foolish  I  am !  That  is  the  consequence  of  being  ab- 
sorbed in  one's  recollections.  While  talking  about  Mecklen- 
burg I  had  really  forgotten  that  I  am  an  old  boy  of  seventy 
years,  and  thought  I  was  still  the  naughty  young  rascal  who 
longed  to  ask  his  mutting  to  forgive  him!  Well,  Christian, 
now  sing  us  a  Low-German  song." 

"I  know  but  one  song,"  said  Christian,  hesitatingly.  "It 
is  the  spinning-song  which  my  Frederica  sang  to  me  in  the 
spinning-room." 

"Well,  sing  your  spinning-song,"  said  Blucher,  looking  at 
his  pipe,  which  was  going  out. 

Christian  cleared  his  throat,  and  sang : 

Spinn  doch,  spinn  doch,  min  liitt  lewes  DSchting, 
Ick  schenk  Di  ock'n  poor  hiibsche  Schoh! 
Ach  Qott,  min  lewes,  lewes  Mutting, 
Wat  helpen  mi  de  htibschen  Schoh ! 
Kann  danzen  nich,  un  kann  nich  spinnen, 
Denn  alls  mine  teigen  Finger, 
De  dohn  mi  so  weh, 
De  dohn  mi  so  weh  I 

Spinn  doch,  spinn  doch,  min  Ititt,  lewes  Dochting, 
Ick  schenk  Di  ock'n  schOn  Stuck  Geld. 
Ach  Gott,  min  lewes,  lewes  Mutting, 
Ick  wull,  ick  wihr  man  ut  de  Welt, 
Kann  danzen  nich,  un  kann  nich  spinnen, 
Denn  alle  mine  teigen  Finger, 
De  dohn  mi  so  weh, 
De  dohn  mi  so  weh  1 

*  Blucher's  own  words. 


102  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Spinn  doch,  spinn  doch,  min  Ititt,  lewes  Dochting. 

Ick  schenk  Di  ock'n  httbschen  Mann  I 

Ach  ja,  min  lewes,  lewes  Mutting, 

Schenk  min  lewsten,  besten  Mann. 

Kann  danzen  nu,  un  kann  ock  spinnen, 

Denn  alle  mine  teigen  Finger, 

De  dohn  nich  mihr  weh, 

De  dohn  nich  mihr  weh  i  * 

"A  very  pretty  song,"  said  Blucher,  kindly.  "And  I  be- 
lieve I  heard  the  girls  sing  it  when  I  was  a  boy.  Thank  you, 
Christian,  you  have  sung  it  very  well.  But,  tell  me  now,  old 
Hennemann,  what  is  to  become  of  Christian?  You  yourself 
shall  remain  here  at  Kunzendorf,  and  I  will  see  to  it  that  you 
are  well  provided  for.  But  what  about  Christian?" 

"He  is  anxious  to  enlist,  general,"  said  Hennemann, 
timidly,  "  and  that  is  the  reason  why  I  brought  him  to  your 
excellency.  I  wanted  to  request  you  to  take  charge  of  him, 
and  make  out  of  him  as  good  a  soldier  as  you  are  your- 
self." 

Blucher  smiled.  "I  have  been  successful,  he  said,  "but 
those  were  good  days  for  soldiers.  Now,  however,  the  times 
are  very  unfavorable ;  the  Prussian  soldier  has  nothing  to  do, 
and  must  quietly  look  on  while  the  French  are  playing  the 
mischief  in  Prussia." 

"No,  general,"  said  Hennemann,  "it  seems  to  me  the 
Prussian  soldier  has  a  great  deal  to  do." 

"Well,  what  do  you  think  he  has  to  do?"  asked  Blucher,, 

*  Spin,  spin,  my  little  daughter,  dear  1 

A  pretty  pair  of  shoes  for  thee ! — 
Alas,  my  mother  I  let  me  hear 

What  use  are  pretty  shoes  to  me  1 
I  cannot  dance— I  cannot  spin : 
And  why  these  promised  shoes  to  win  I 

0  mother  mine,  I  will  not  take 
Thy  kindly  gift.     My  fingers  ache  1 

Spin,  spin,  my  litte  daughter  dear ! 

And  a  bright  silver-piece  is  thine  !— 
Alas,  my  mother's  loving  care 

Makes  not  this  shining  money  mine  I 

1  cannot  dance — I  cannot  spin ; 
What  use  such  wages  thus  to  win? 
O  mother  dear !  I  cannot  take 
This  silver,  for  my  fingers  ache. 

Spin,  spin,  my  little  daughter  dear ! 

For  thee  a  handsome  husband  waits. — 
Oh,  then,  my  mother,  have  no  fear; 

My  heart  this  work  no  longer  hates, 
Now  can  I  dance,  and  also  spin, 
A  handsome  husband  thus  to  win. 
Thy  best  reward  I  gladly  take ! 
No  more— no  more,  my  fingers  ache, 


RECOLLECTIONS  OF  MECKLENBURG.  103 

"  To  expel  the  French  from  Prussia,  that  is  what  he  has  to 
do,"  said  the  old  man,  raising  his  voice. 

"Yes,"  said  Blucher,  smiling,  "if  that  could  be  done,  I 
should  like  to  be  counted  in." 

"  It  can  be  done,  general ;  every  honest  man  says  so,  and  it 
ought  to  be,  for  the  French  are  behaving  too  shamefully. 
They  must  be  expelled  from  Germany.  Well,  then,  my 
Christian  wishes  to  assist  you  in  doing  so ;  he  wishes  to  be- 
come a  soldier,  and  help  you  to  drive  out  the  French." 

"  Alas,  he  must  apply  to  some  one  else  if  he  wishes  to  do 
that,"  said  Blucher,  mournfully.  "I  cannot  help  him,  for 
they  have  pensioned  me.  I  have  no  regiments.  I — but, 
thunder  and  lightning!  what  is  the  matter  with  my  pipe  to- 
day? The  thing  will  not  burn."  And  he  put  his  little  finger 
into  the  bowl,  and  tried  to  smoke  again. 

"  The  pipe  does  not  draw  well,  because  it  was  not  skilfully 
filled,"  said  Christian.  "I  know  it  was  badly  filled." 

"Ay?"  asked  Blucher.  "What  do  you  know?  John  has 
been  filling  my  pipes  for  four  years  past." 

"  John  has  done  it  very  poorly,"  said  Christian,  composedly. 
"  To  fill  such  a  clay  pipe  is  an  art  with  which  a  good  many 
are  not  familiar,  and  when  it  is  smoked  for  the  first  time  it 
does  not  burn  very  well.  It  ought  first  to  be  smoked  by  some 
one,  and  John  ought  to  have  done  so  yesterday  if  the  general 
wished  to  use  his  pipe  to-day." 

"  Why,  he  knows  something  about  a  clay  pipe,"  exclaimed 
Blucher,  "  and  he  is  right ;  it  always  tastes  better  on  the  sec- 
ond day  than  on  the  first." 

"  That  is  the  reason  why  the  second  day  always  ought  to  be 
the  first  for  General  Blucher,"  said  Christian. 

"He  is  right,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  laughing,  "  it  would 
surely  be  better  if  the  second  were  always  the  first  day.  Well, 
I  know  now  what  is  to  be  made  of  Christian ;  he  is  to  become 
my  pipe-master." 

"Pipe-master?"  asked  old  Hennemann  and  Christian  at 
the  same  time.  "  Pipe-master,  what  is  that?" 

"  That  is  a  man  who  keeps  my  pipes  in  good  order,"  said 
Blucher,  with  a  ludicrously  grave  air — "a  man  who  makes 
the  second  my  first  day — who  smokes  my  pipes  first — puts 
them  back  into  the  box  at  night,  preserves  the  broken  ones, 
and  fills  them,  however  short  they  may  be.  He  who  does  not 
prize  a  short  pipe,  does  not  deserve  to  have  a  long  one.  A 
good  pipe  and  good  tobacco  are  things  of  the  highest  impor- 


104  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

tance  in  life.  Ah!  if,  in  1807,  at  Liibeck,  I  had  had 
powder  for  the  guns  and  tobacco  for  my  men,  I  would  have 
raised  such  clouds  that  the  French  could  not  have  stood.* 
Well,  Christian,  you  shall  therefore  become  my  pipe-master, 
and  I  hope  you  will  faithfully  perform  the  duties  of  your 
office." 

"  I  shall  certainly  take  pains  to  do  so,"  said  Christian, 
"  and  you  may  depend  on  it,  general,  that  I  shall  preserve  the 
broken,  short  pipes;  I  will  not  throw  them  away  before  it  is 
necessary.  But  suppose  there  should  be  war,  general,  and 
you  should  take  the  field,  what  would  become  of  me  in  that 
case?" 

"Well,  in  that  case  you  will  accompany  me,"  said  Blucher. 
"  What  should  I  do  in  the  field  if  I  could  not  get  a  good  pipe 
of  tobacco  all  the  time?  Without  that  I  am  of  no  account. f 
But  it  is  necessary  to  do  good  service  for  Prussia,  and  hence  I 
need,  above  all,  a  good  pipe  of  tobacco  in  the  field.  Well, 
then,  tell  me  now  plainly,  will  you  accept  the  office  I  offer 
you  in  peace  and  in  war,  Christian?" 

"Yes,  general,"  said  Christian,  solemnly.  "And  I  swear 
that  General  Blucher  shall  never  lack  a  well-lighted  pipe, 
even  though  I  fetch  a  match  from  the  French  gunners  to 
kindle  it." 

"  That  is  right,  Christian ;  you  are  in  my  service  now,  and 
may  at  once  enter  upon  the  duties  of  your  office.  You, 
Hennemann,  stay  here  and  do  me  the  favor  of  living  as  long 
and  being  as  merry  as  possible.  Now,  pipe-master,  ring  the 
bell!" 

The  new  pipe-master  rang  the  bell,  and  John  entered  the 
room. 

"John!"  said  Blucher,  "I  owe  a  reparation  of  honor  to 
this  aged  hussar.  It  was  he  who  took  me  prisoner  in  1760. 
He  brought  me  the  proof  of  it — the  yellow  facing  of  the  sleeve 
here.  Take  it  and  fasten  it  to  the  old  uniform  of  Blucher, 
the  Swedish  ensign,  which  I  have  always  preserved ;  it  belongs 
to  it.  You  see  that  hussar  Hennemann  is  an  honest  man,  and 
that  I  owe  him  the  ransom.  He  will  stay  here,  and  have 
nothing  to  do  but  eat  and  drink  well,  sit  in  the  sun,  and,  in 
the  evening,  when  it  affords  him  pleasure,  tell  you  stories  of 
the  Seven  Years'  War,  in  which  he  participated.  If  other 
hussars  come  and  tell  you  they  took  me  prisoner,  you  know  it 

*  Blucher's  own  words. — Vide  "  Marshall  Forward,"  a  popular  biography, 
t  Blucher's  own  words. 


GLAD  TIDINGS.  105 

Is  not  true,  and  need  not  admit  them.  But  you  must  not 
abuse  the  poor  old  fellows  for  that  reason,  nor  tell  them  that 
they  are  swindlers.  You  will  give  them  something  to  eat  and 
drink,  a  bed  overnight,  and,  in  the  morning,  when  they  set 
out,  a  dollar  for  travelling  expenses.  Now  take  the  old  man 
and  his  son  to  the  adjoining  building,  and  tell  the  inspector 
to  give  them  a  room  where  they  are  to  live.  And  then," 
added  Blucher,  hesitatingly,  and  almost  in  confusion, — "you 
have  too  much  to  do,  John;  you  must  have  an  assistant.  It 
takes  you  too  much  time  to  fill  my  pipes,  and  this  young  man, 
therefore,  will  help  you.  I  have  appointed  Christian  Henne- 
mann  my  pipe-master.  Well,  do  not  reply — take  the  two  men 
to  the  building,  and  be  good  friends — do  you  hear,  good 
friends!" 

John  bowed  in  silence,  and  made  a  sign  to  the  two  Meck- 
lenburgians  to  follow  him.  Blucher  gazed  after  them  with 
keen  glances.  "  Well,  I  am  afraid  their  friendship  will  not 
amount  to  much,"  he  said,  smiling  and  stroking  his  beard. 
"  John  does  not  like  this  pipe-master  business,  and  will  show 
it  to  Christian  as  soon  as  an  opportunity  offers.  I  do  not  care 
if  they  do  have  a  good  fight.  It  would  be  a  little  diversion, 
for  it  is  horribly  tedious  here.  Ah,  how  long  is  this  to  last? 
How  long  am  I  to  sit  here  and  wait  until  Prussia  and  the  king 
call  upon  me  to  drive  Napoleon  out  of  the  country?  How 
long  am  I  to  be  idle  while  Bonaparte  is  gaining  one  victory 
after  another  in  Eussia?  I  have  not  much  time  to  spare  for 
waiting,  and — well,"  he  suddenly  interrupted,  himself, 
quickly  stepping  up  to  the  window,  "  what  is  that?  Is  not 
that  a  carriage  driving  into  the  court-yard?"  Yes,  it  really 
is,  just  entering  the  iron  gate,  and  rolling  with  great  noise 
across  the  pavement.  "  I  wonder  who  that  is?"  muttered 
Blucher,  casting  a  piercing  glance  into  the  carriage  which 
stopped  at  this  moment  in  front  of  the  mansion.  He  uttered 
a  cry  of  joy,  and  ran  out  of  the  room  with  the  alacrity  of  a 
youth. 

CHAPTEK    XI. 

GLAD    TIDINGS. 

"!T  is  he,  it  is  he!"  exclaimed  General  Blucher,  rushing 
out  of  the  front  door,  and  hastening  with  outstretched  arms 
toward  the  gentleman,  who,  wrapped  in  a  Russian  fur  robe, 

8 


106  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

alighted  with  his  two  servants.  "My  beloved  Scharnhorst !" 
And  he  clasped  his  friend  in  his  arms  as  if  it  were  some  longed- 
for  mistress  whom  he  was  pressing  to  his  bosom. 

"  Blucher,  my  dear  friend,  let  me  go,  or  yon  will  choke 
me!"  exclaimed  Scharnhorst,  laughing.  "  Come,  let  us  go 
into  the  house." 

"Yes,  come,  dearest,  best  friend!"  said  Blucher,  and  en- 
circling Scharnhorst's  neck  with  his  arm,  drew  him  along  so 
hastily  that,  gasping  for  breath,  the  latter  was  scarcely  able  to 
accompany  him. 

On  entering  the  sitting-room,  Blucher  himself  divested  his 
friend  of  his  fur  robe,  and,  throwing  it  on  the  floor  in  his 
haste,  took  off  Scharnhorst's  cap.  "  I  must  look  at  you,  my 
friend,"  he  exclaimed.  "I  must  see  the  face  of  my  dear 
Scharnhorst,  and  now  that  I  see  it,  I  must  kiss  it!  To  see 
you  again  does  me  as  much  good  as  a  fountain  in  the  desert 
to  the  pilgrim  dying  of  thirst." 

"Well,  but  now  you  must  allow  me  to  say  a  word,"  said 
Scharnhorst.  "And  let  me  look  at  yourself.  Remember,  it 
is  nearly  a  year  since  I  saw  anything  of  you  but  your  hand- 
writing." 

"And  that  is  very  illegible,"  said  Blucher,  laughing. 

"  It  is  at  least  not  as  legible  and  intelligible  as  your  dear 
face,"  eaid  Scharnhorst.  "Here,  on  this  forehead  and  in 
these  eyes,  I  can  read  quickly  and  easily  all  that  your  excel- 
lent head  thinks,  and  your  noble  heart  feels.  And  now  I  read 
there  that  I  am  really  welcome,  and  need  not  by  any  means 
apologize  for  not  having  announced  my  visit  to  you." 

"Apologize!"  exclaimed  Blucher.  "You  know  full  well 
that  you  afford  me  the  most  heart-felt  joy,  and  that  I  feel  as 
though  spring  were  coming  with  all  its  blessed  promises." 

"  Well,  let  us  not  wish  spring  to  come  too  early  this  year. 
We  need  a  good  deal  of  ice  and  cold  weather,  to  build  a  crystal 
palace  for  Bonaparte  in  Eussia." 

Blucher  cast  a  flashing  glance  upon  his  guest.  Scharn- 
horst," he  asked,  breathlessly,  "you  have  come  to  bring  me 
important  news,  have  you  not?  Oh.  pray,  speak!  I  am  sure 
you  have  come  to  tell  me  that  the  time  has  come  for  rising 
against  the  French!" 

"No;  I  have  simply  come  to  see  you,"  said  Scharnhorst, 
smiling.  "  And  you  are  in  truth  a  cold-hearted  friend  to 
think  any  other  motive  was  required  than  that  of  friendship. " 

"  I  thought  it  was  time  for  Providence  to  bring  about  a 


GLAD  TIDINGS.  107 

change.  But  it  was  kind  of  yon  to  come  to  me  merely  for 
my  sake,  and,  moreover,  in  weather  so  cold  as  this,  and  at 
your  age." 

"At  my  age!"  exclaimed  Scharnhorst,  smiling. 

"  Why,  yes,  my  friend,  at  your  age.  If  I  am  not  mistaken, 
you  must  be  well-nigh  sixty,  and  at  that  time  of  life  travel- 
ling in  a  season  like  this  is  assuredly  somewhat  unpleasant, 
and — but  why  do  you  laugh?" 

"As  you  refer  to  my  age,  my  dearest  friend,  I  suppose  you 
will  permit  me  to  speak  of  yours?" 

"Why  not?  We  are  no  marriageable  girls  on  the  lookout 
for  husbands." 

"Well,  then,  my  dear  General  Blucher,  how  old  are  you?" 

"I?     I  am  a  little  over  seventy." 

"  And  I  am  fifty-six,  and  yet  you  think  old  age  is  weighing 
me  down,  while  a  wreath  of  snow-drops  is  overhanging  your 
brow." 

"Yes,  that  is  true,"  said  Blucher,  in  confusion.  "I  had 
really  forgotten  my  age." 

"The  reason  is,  that  your  heart  is  still  young  and  fresh," 
exclaimed  Scharnhorst,  looking  at  him  tenderly,  and  laying 
his  hand  on  Blucher's  broad  shoulder.  "  Thank  God !  you 
are  still  young  Blucher,  with  his  fiery  head  and  heroic  arm — 
young  Blucher  whose  eagle  eye  gazes  into  the  future,  and  who 
does  not  despair,  however  disheartening  the  present  may  be." 

"  I  am  sure  you  have  brought  news,"  said  Blucher.  "  I  can 
see  it  in  your  eyes — Heaven  knows  whether  good  or  bad.  But 
you  have  news,  I  know  it." 

"No,  my  young  firebrand,"  exclaimed  Scharnhorst,  "I 
bring  only  myself,  and  this  self  I  should  like  now  above  all  to 
lay  at  the  feet  of  your  respected  wife." 

"Yes,  that  is  true,"  said  Blucher;  "in  my  joy  I  almost 
forgot  that  my  Amelia  ought  to  share  it.  Come,  general,  let 
me  conduct  you  to  my  wife."  He  took  Scharnhorst's  arm 
and  conducted  him  rapidly  across  the  sitting-room  toward  the 
apartments  of  Madame  von  Blucher.  "Tread  softly;  you 
know  what  an  admirer  of  yours  my  wife  is,  and  how  glad  she 
will  be  to  see  you.  We  will,  therefore,  surprise  her.  She 
doubtless  did  not  notice  your  arrival,  for  her  windows  open 
upon  the  garden.  She  does  not  yet  know  that  you  are  here, 
and  how  glad  she  will  be !  Hush !" 

He  glided  to  the  door  and  rapped.  "Amelia, "he  said, 
"  are  you  there,  and  may  I  come  in?" 


108  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

"Of  course  I  am  here,"  exclaimed  Madame  von  Blucher, 
"  and  you  know  well  that  I  have  already  been  looking  for  you 
for  two  hours  past.  Come  in!" 

"  I  have  a  visitor  with  me ;  do  you  allow  me  to  enter  with 
him,  Amelia?" 

"  A  visitor?"  asked  Madame  von  Blucher,  opening  the  door. 
"  General  von  Scharnhorst!"  she  exclaimed,  hastening  to  him 
and  offering  him  both  her  hands.  "  Welcome,  general,  and 
may  Heaven  reward  you  for  the  idea  of  visiting  an  old  woman 
and  her  young  husband  in  their  wintry  solitude.  Come,  gen- 
eral, do  my  room  the  honor  of  entering  it."  She  took  the 
general's  arm  and  drew  him  in. 

"Scharnhorst,"  said  Blucher,  "let  me  give  you  some  good 
advice.  Do  not  make  love  in  too  undisguised  a  manner  to 
my  wife,  for  she  is  right  in  saying  that  I  am  still  a  young 
man,  and  I  may  become  jealous;  that  would  be  a  pity!  I 
should  then  have  to  fight  a  duel  with  my  friend,  and  one  of 
us  would  have  to  die ;  and  yet  we  are  destined  to  deliver  Prus- 
sia, and  to  drive  that  hateful  man  Bonaparte  out  of  Germany." 

"  See,  madame,  what  a  shrewd  and  self-willed  intriguer  he 
is!"  exclaimed  Scharnhorst.  "He  avails  himself  of  the 
boundless  adoration  I  feel  for  you  to  assist  him  in  wandering 
into  his  favorite  sphere  of  politics.  Madame,  the  barbarian 
believes  it  to  be  altogether  impossible  that  I  come  merely  from 
motives  of  friendship,  and  insists  that  it  was  politics  that 
brought  me!" 

"  Yes,"  said  Madame  von  Blucher,  smiling,  "  Blucher  loves 
politics,  he  has  no  other  mistress." 

"No,"  said  Blucher,  laughing,  "I  know  nothing  at  all 
about  politics,  and  believe  the  world  would  be  better  off  if 
there  were  no  politicians.  They  originate  all  our  troubles. 
Those  diplomatists  are  always  sure  to  spoil  what  the  sword  has 
achieved.  Politics  have  brought  all  these  calamities  upon 
Germany ;  otherwise,  we  should  long  since  have  risen  against 
the  French,  instead  of  allowing  our  soldiers  to  fight  for  Bona- 
parte in  Kussia.  I  say  it  is  absurd,  and  I  am  so  angry  at  it 
that  it  will  make  me  consumptive.  I  say  all  those  diplo- 
matists ought  to  be  sent  into  the  field  against  Eussia  in  order 
to  study  new-fangled  politics  in  Siberia.  I  say — " 

"  You  will  say  nothing  further  about  the  matter,  my  friend, 
for  there  is  John,  who  wishes  to  tell  us  that  dinner  is  ready," 
Madame  von  Blucher  interrupted  her  husband,  who,  glowing 
with  anger,  and  trembling  with  excitement,  was  fighting  with 


GLAD  TIDINGS.  109 

ftis  arms  in  the  air  and  with  a  terrible  expression  of  counte- 
nance. "  Come,  general,  let  us  go  to  the  dining-room,"  said 
Madame  von  Blucher,  giving  her  hand  to  Scharnhorst.  "  And 
you,  my  valorous  young  husband,  give  me  your  hand,  too!" 

"Wait  a  moment,"  Blucher  replied.  "I  must  first  give 
vent  to  my  anger,  or  it  will  choke  me."  At  a  bound,  he 
rushed  as  a  passionate  boy  toward  the  sofa,  and,  striking  it 
with  both  fists,  so  that  the  dust  rose  from  it  in  clouds, 
shouted:  " Have  I  got  you  at  length,  you  horrible  batcher — 
are  you  at  length  under  my  scourge?  Now  you  shall  find  out 
how  Pomeranians  whip  their  enemies,  and  what  it  is  to  treat 
people  as  shamefully  as  you  have  done.  I  will  whip  you — 
yes,  until  you  cry,  ' Pater ',  peccavi!'  There,  take  that  for 
Jena,  and  this  blow  for  compelling  me  to  capitulate  at  Lii- 
beck ;  and  this  and  this  for  the  infamies  you  have  perpetrated 
upon  our  beautiful  queen  at  Tilsit!  This  last  blow  take  for 
the  Eussian  treaty  to  which  you  compelled  our  king  to  accede, 
and  now  a  few  more  yet !  If  Heaven  does  not  strike  you, 
Blucher  must;  you  ought  not  to  be  left  unpunished!" 

"Ah,  well,  that  is  enough,  my  friend,"  exclaimed  Amelia, 
hastening  to  him  and  seizing  his  arm,  which  he  had  already 
raised  again.  "  You  are  very  capable  of  destroying  my  sofa, 
and  you  believe  that  you  have  gained  a  campaign  by  tearing 
my  beautiful  velvet  in  shreds. " 

"  Well,  yes,  it  is  enough  now,  and  I  feel  better.  Well,  my 
friend,"  he  said,  turning  to  Scharnhorst,  who  had  witnessed 
his  foolish  antics  with  a  grave  and  mournful  air,  "you  need 
not  look  at  me  in  so  melancholy  a  manner.  I  suppose  they 
have  told  you,  too,  that  old  Blucher  at  times  gets  crazy,  and 
strikes  at  the  flies  on  the  wall,  and  beats  chairs  and  sofas,  be- 
cause, in  his  insanity,  he  believes  them  to  be  Napoleon.*  But 
it  is  assuredly  no  madness  that  makes  me  act  in  this  manner, 
as  stupid  fools  assert,  but  it  is  simply  a  way  in  which  I  relieve 
my  anger,  that  it  may  not  break  my  heart.  It  is  the  same  as 
if  a  man  who  has  to  fight  a  duel  should  take  fencing-lessons, 
and  practise  with  the  sword,  in  order  to  hit  his  adversary. 
But  I  have  satisfied  my  anger,  and  will  again  be  as  gentle  as 
a  lamb." 

"  Yes,  as  a  lamb  which  reverses  the  order  of  things,  and, 
instead  of  allowing  the  wolf  to  devour  it,  is  quite  ready  to 
devour  the  wolf,"  said  Scharnhorst,  laughing. 

*  Owing  to  this  peculiarity  and  the  strange  ebullitions  of  rage  in  which  he  in- 
dulged from  time  to  time,  Blucher  was  really  believed  to  be  deranged  for  several 
years  previous  to  the  outbreak  of  the  war  or  liberation. 


110  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Let  us  go  to  dinner,  generals,"  cried  Amelia;  "but  on 
one  condition!  During  the  repast  not  a  word  must  be  said 
about  my  hateful  rival,  politics,  nor  will  you  be  permitted  to 
sprinkle  Napoleon  as  cayenne  pepper  over  our  dishes. 
Blucher  is  too  hot-blooded,  and  pepper  does  not  agree  with 
him." 

"  But  a  glass  of  champagne  agrees  with  him  when  a  dear 
friend  is  present,"  exclaimed  Blucher.  "Oh,  John,  come 
here!  Accompany  my  wife,  Scharnhorst;  I  have  only  to  tell 
John  what  he  is  to  fetch  from  the  wine-cellar." 

While  Blucher  gave  his  orders  to  John  in  a  hurried  and  low 
voice,  instructing  him  to  place  a  substantial  battery  of  bottles 
of  champagne  in  front  of  the  two  generals,  Scharnhorst  pre- 
ceded him  with  Madame  von  Blucher  to  the  dining-room. 

"  Madame  von  Blucher,"  whispered  Scharnhorst,  after  satis- 
fying himself  by  a  quick  side  glance  that  Blucher  was  too  far 
from  them  to  overhear  his  words,  "  permit  me  to  ask  a  ques- 
tion. Is  your  husband  strong  and  healthy  enough,  both 
physically  and  mentally,  for  me  to  talk  to  him  about  politics? 
May  I  communicate  to  him  some  important  news  which  I 
have  received  to-day,  or  would  I  thereby  excite  him  too 
much?" 

"  Do  you  bring  glad  tidings?"  asked  Amelia. 

"  I  believe  we  may  consider  them  so;  at  all  events,  they  are 
encouraging." 

"  In  that  case,  general,  you  may  unhesitatingly  communi- 
cate them ;  but,  pray,  do  so  only  after  dinner,  and  when  he 
has  somewhat  recovered  from  the  excitement  with  which 
your  welcome  but  unexpected  visit  has  filled  him.  Blucher's 
mind  is  perfectly  strong  and  healthy,  but  his  body  is  feeble, 
and  he  is  still  affected  with  a  disease  of  the  stomach,  which, 
precisely  at  dinner,  very  often  gives  him  severe  pain.  Pray, 
therefore,  no  excitement  and  no  politics  at  the  dinner-table." 

"So,  here  I  am,"  said  Blucher,  who  had  followed  them, 
and  now  took  the  general's  arm;  "now,. children,  quick,  for 
I  long  to  take  wine  again  with  my  dear  Scharnhorst." 

Scharnhorst  faithfully  complied  with  the  wishes  of  Madame 
von  Blucher.  No  allusion  to  politics  was  made  during  the 
dinner,  and  their  conversation  was  harmless,  merry,  and  de- 
sultory. They  left  the  dining-room,  and  took  coffee  in  the 
cozy  sitting-room  of  Madame  von  Blucher. 

"And  now,"  said  Blucher,  who  was  sitting  on  the  sofa  by 
the  side  of  Scharnhorst,  while  his  wife  sat  in  the  easy-chair 


GLAD  TIDINGS.  Ill 

opposite  them,  "  let  us  fill  our  pipes,  or  rather  smoke  them, 
for  they  have  already  been  filled." 

"  But  shall  we  be  permitted  to  do  so  in  your  wife's  room?" 
asked  Scharnhorst. 

"  Oh,  I  have  been  accustomed  to  it  for  twenty  years  past," 
exclaimed  Amelia,  laughing.  "  When  I  wished  to  have 
Blucher  in  my  room,  and  by  my  side,  I  could  not  show  the 
door  to  his  pipe;  and  therefore,  as  a  good  soldier's  wife,  I 
have  accustomed  myself  to  the  odor  of  tobacco-smoke." 

"  Well,"  said  Blucher,  pointing  to  the  two  clay  pipes  which 
lay  on  the  silver  tray  beside  the  burning  wax-candle  and  the 
cup  filled  with  paper-kindlers,  "  take  a  match  and  fire  the 
cannon;  luckily  it  makes  no  noise,  but  only  smoke." 

Madame  von  Blucher  handed  each  of  the  gentlemen  a  clay 
pipe,  and  then  held  a  burning  paper  close  to  the  tobacco. 

"  Now,  the  guns  are  ready,  and  the  battle  may  commence," 
said  Blucher,  puffing  a  cloud  from  his  pipe. 

"You  see,  general,"  said  Amelia,  turning  to  Scharnhorst 
with  a  significant  glance,  "  madcap  Blucher  cannot  refrain 
from  talking  all  the  time  about  battles  and  politics.  Now, 
indulge  him  in  his  whim,  general,  and  talk  a  little  with  him 
about  these  topics." 

"  I  believe  it  will  amount  to  little,"  growled  Blucher.  "If 
Scharnhorst  had  brought  good  news  he  would  not  have  kept 
me  so  long  from  knowing  it.  No ;  the  news  is  always  the 
same ;  I  know  it  already !  New  bulletins  favorable  to  Napo- 
leon— nothing  else!" 

Scharnhorst  smiled.  "  Why,  my  friend,  what  is  the  reason 
of  your  sudden  despondency?  Have  you,  then,  lost  all  your 
faith  in  the  approach  of  better  times? — you  who  used  to  be 
more  courageous  than  any  of  us,  you  who  hitherto  cherished 
the  firm  belief  in  a  change  for  the  better,  and  were  to  us  a 
shining  beacon  of  honor,  hope,  and  courage !  What  shall  we 
do,  and  what  is  to  become  of  us,  when  Blucher  gets  discour- 
aged and  ceases  to  hope?" 

"Well,"  said  Blucher,  "I  am  not  yet  discouraged;  I  still 
hope  for  a  change  for  the  better,  and  know  that  it  will  surely 
come,  for  Scharnhorst  still  lives  and  paves  the  way  for  more 
prosperous  times.  Yes,  certainly,  there  will  be  better  times; 
Scharnhorst  is  secretly  creating  an  army  for  us,  and  when 
the  army  has  been  organized,  he  will  call  me,  and  I  shall  put 
myself  beside  him  at  the  head  of  the  troops,  and  we  shall  then 
march  against  the  French  emperor  with  drums  beating;  we 


112  NAPOLEON   AND  BLUCHEH. 

shall  defeat  him — drive  him  with  his  routed  soldiers  beyond 
the  frontiers  of  Germany,  so  that  he  never  again  shall  dare  to 
return  to  the  fatherland.  Providence  has  spared  me  so  long 
for  this  purpose;  I  believe  that  I  am  chosen  to  chastise  the 
insolent  Napoleon  for  all  his  crimes  committed  against  Ger- 
many and  Prussia.  I  am  destined  to  overthrow  him,  deliver 
my  country,  and  victoriously  reestablish  my  dear  king  in  all 
his  former  states.  Napoleon  must  be  hurled  from  his  throne, 
and  I  must  assist  in  bringing  about  his  downfall;  and  before 
that  has  been  accomplished  I  will  and  cannot  die.*  Yes, 
laugh  at  me  as  much  as  you  please ;  I  am  already  accustomed 
to  that  when  talking  in  this  style ;  but  it  will,  nevertheless, 
prove  true,  and  my  prophecies  will  be  fulfilled.  You  may 
deride  me,  but  you  cannot  shake  my  firm  belief  in  what  I  tell 
you." 

"But  I  do  not  deride  you,"  said  Scharnhorst.  "I  am  glad 
of  your  reliance  on  Heaven,  which,  while  all  were  discouraged 
and  despairing,  stood  as  a  rock  in  the  midst  of  the  breakers. 
I  always  looked  to  you,  Blucher ;  the  thought  of  you  always 
strengthened  and  encouraged  me,  and  when  I  at  times  felt  like 
giving  way  to  despair,  I  said  to  myself,  'For  shame,  Scharn- 
horst !  take  heart  and  hope,  for  Blucher  still  lives,  and  so  long 
as  he  lives  there  is  hope!'  " 

"Henceforth,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  with  radiant  eyes,  giv- 
ing his  hand  to  his  friend,  "  henceforth  no  one  will  deny  that 
God  has  made  us  for  each  other.  What  you  said  about  me  I 
have  repeated  to  myself  every  day  about  you.  What  was  my 
consolation  when  Prussia,  after  the  treaty  of  Tilsit,  was  wholly 
prostrated  and  ruined?  'Scharnhorst  still  lives!'  What  did  I 
say  to  myself  when  the  cowardly  ministers,  in  the  beginning 
of  the  present  year,  had  concluded  the  abominable  alliance 
with  France?  'Scharnhorst  still  lives!'  And  when  our  poor 
regiments  had  to  march  to  Russia  as  Bonaparte's  auxiliaries,  I 
said  to  myself:  'Scharnhorst  is  still  there  to  create  a  new 
army,  and  God  is  there  to  give  victory  one  day  to  this  army, 
which  I  shall  command. '  Oh,  tell  me,  my  friend,  what  are 
your  plans?  What  have  you  been  able  to  accomplish  in  re 
gard  to  the  reorganization  of  the  army?  And  what  about  th. 
new  officers'  regulations  which  you  are  having  printed?" 
i  "  They  have  already  been  printed,  and  I  have  brought  a 
copy  for  you,"  said  Scharnhorst,  dawing  a  printed  book  from 
his  breast-pocket,  and  handing  it  to  his  friend. 

*  Blucher 's  own  words. — Vide  his  biography  by  Varnhagen  von  Ense,  p.  123. 


GLAD  TIDINGS.  113 

Blucber  gazed  on  it  long  with  grave  and  musing  eyes,  read 
the  title-page,  and  glanced  over  the  contents.  "  Scharnhorst," 
he  then  said,  solemnly,  "  this  is  a  great  and  important  work, 
and  posterity  only  will  appreciate  its  whole  importance,  and 
thank  you  deservedly  for  it.  Our  old  military  structure  was 
utterly  rotten,  and  the  first  storm,  therefore,  caused  it  to 
break  down  and  fall  to  pieces.  But  Scharnhorst  is  an  archi- 
tect who  knew  how  to  find  among  the  ruins  material  for  a  new 
and  solid  structure,  and  this  structure  will  one  day  cause  the 
power  of  Bonaparte  to  disappear.  This  book,  which  entirely 
changes  the  duties  and  relations  of  the  officers  of  all  arms,  and 
transforms  our  whole  military  system,  is  the  splendid  plan  of 
the  building  which  you  are  about  to  erect.  By  the  introduc- 
tion of  these  regulations  the  antiquated  system  which  brought 
upon  Prussia  the  defeats  of  Jena  and  Auerstadt,  is  abolished; 
the  great  simplicity  of  the  scheme,  and  its  practical  spirit,  are 
the  best  antidotes  against  the  prevalence  of  the  old-fashioned 
notions  which  have  proved  so  disastrous.  You  have  per- 
formed a  great  work,  Scharnhorst,  and  Prussia  must  thank 
you  for  it  as  long  as  she  has  an  army." 

"  I  may  say  at  least  that  I  have  striven  for  a  grand  object," 
said  Scharnhorst,  "  and  I  have  left  nothing  undone  in  order 
to  attain  it.  Many  changes  had  to  be  made,  and  many  evils 
eradicated,  when  the  king,  after  the  calamitous  days  of  Tilsit, 
placed  me  at  the  head  of  the  commission  which  was  to  reorga- 
nize the  whole  Prussian  army.  We  had  to  work  night  and 
day,  for  it  was  incumbent  upon  us  to  arrange  a  new  system  of 
conscription,  organize  the  levies,  draw  up  new  articles  of  war, 
and  complete  the  battalions,  squadrons,  and  batteries.  It  was, 
besides,  our  task  to  give  the  army  an  honorable  position,  to 
constitute  the  soldier  the  sacred  guardian  of  the  noblest  bless- 
ings of  all  nations — liberty  and  nationality ;  and  to  give  him 
a  country  for  which  he  was  to  fight.  The  soldier,  therefore, 
had  to  be  a  citizen ;  the  army  was  no  longer  to  consist  of  hire- 
lings, but  of  the  sons  of  the  country,  and  to  these  had  to  be 
intrusted  the  sacred  and  inevitable  duty  of  learning  the  pro- 
fession of  arms,  and  of  devoting  for  some  time  their  services 
to  the  fatherland.  The  citizens  had  to  be  transformed  into 
soldiers,  and  the  name  of  'soldier '  had,  as  it  was  among  the 
Eomans,  to  become  a  title  of  honor.  In  order  to  bring  this 
about,  it  was  necessary,  too,  that  the  distinction  of  birth,  to 
which  the  government,  in  commissioning  officers  and  hitherto 
paid  so  much  attention,  should  be  entirely  discarded.  Every 


114  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

recruit  had  to  know  that  by  bravery,  courage,  industry,  and 
intelligence,  he  might  attain  the  highest  positions,  and 
that  the  private  soldier  might  become  a  general. 

"  That  is  the  very  thing  by  which  the  aristocratic  officers  of 
the  old  regime  became  intensely  exasperated  against  your  new 
system,"  said  Blucher.  "I  know  what  you  had  to  suffer  and 
contend  against,  how  many  stumbling-blocks  were  cast  in  your 
way,  and  how  they  charged  you  with  being  an  innovator,  and 
even  a  republican,  trying  to  transfer  the  liberty,  equality,  and 
fraternity  of  the  French  sans-culottes  into  the  Prussian  army, 
and  to  put  generals'  epaulets  into  the  knapsack  of  the  low- 
born recruit.  But  all  these  arrows  glanced  off  from  your  dear 
head,  which  was  as  hard  as  a  golden  anvil,  and  they  were  un- 
able to  prevent  Scharnhorst  from  becoming  the  armorer  of 
German  liberty!" 

"  But  his  head  has  received  many  a  blow,"  said  Scharnhorst, 
smiling.  "However,  he  who  wages  war  must  expect  to  be 
wounded,  and  it  was  a  terrible  war  upon  which  I  entered — 
one  against  prejudice  and  old  established  customs — against  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  the  aristocracy.  God  was  with  me 
and  gave  me  strength  to  complete  my  work ;  He  gave  me,  in 
Blucher,  a  friend  who  never  refused  me  his  advice,  and,  to 
whose  sagacity  and  courage  I  am  indebted  for  one-half  of 
what  I  have  achieved.  Without  your  aid  I  would  often  have 
given  way;  but  it  strengthened  me  to  think  of  you,  and  your 
applause  was  a  reward  for  my  labors.  May  we  soon  be  enabled 
to  carry  into  effect  the  new  organization  of  the  army!" 

"My  friend,"  said  Blucher,  shaking  his  head,  "God  has 
forgotten  us,  I  fear,  and  averted  His  eyes  from  Prussia  and 
the  whole  of  Germany.  Napoleon  is  an  instrument  in  His 
hands,  just  as  the  knout  is  an  instrument  of  justice  in  the 
hand  of  the  Kussian  executioner.  And  it  seems  as  though  the 
nations  deserved  much  punishment,  for  He  still  holds  his  in- 
strument firmly  in  His  hands.  But  patience! — there  will  be 
a  time  when  He  will  cast  it  aside,  and  when  we  shall  arise 
from  our  prostration  to  take  revenge  upon  our  scourge." 

"  Who  knows  whether  this  new  era  will  not  dawn  at  an 
earlier  moment  than  we  hope  and  look  for,"  said  Scharn- 
horst, smiling. 

Blucher  started,  and  cast  a  quick  glance  on  his  guest. 
"Scharnhorst,"  he  said,  hastily,  "you  have  brought  news, 
after  all.  I  felt  it  as  soon  as  I  saw  you,  and  it  is  no  use  to 
deny  it  any  longer.  You  know,  and  want  to  tell  me  some- 


GLAD  TIDINGS.  115 

thing.  Well,  speak  out!  I  am  prepared  for  every  thing! 
What  is  it?  Has  Napoleon  gained  another  victory?  Has  he 
transported  the  Emperor  Alexander  to  Siberia,  and  put  the 
Russian  crown  on  his  head  at  the  Kremlin?  Have  the  Rus- 
sian people  prostrated  themselves  before  him,  and,  like  other 
nations,  recognized  him  as  their  sovereign  and  emperor?  You 
see,  I  am  prepared  for  every  thing;  for  I  insist  upon  it,  how 
high  soever  he  may  build  his  throne,  he  must  at  last  descend, 
and  it  will  be  I  who  will  bring  him  down.  Now,  speak  out! 
Has  he  again  obtained  a  great  victory?" 

"No,  general,"  said  Scharnhorst,  solemnly,  "God  has  ob- 
tained a  victory!" 

Blucher  raised  his  head,  and  laid  his  clay  pipe  slowly  on  the 
table.  "  What  do  you  mean,  general?"  he  asked.  "  What  do 
you  mean  by  saying,  'God  has  obtained  a  victory '?" 

"  I  mean  to  say  that  He  has  sent  into  the  field  troops  whom 
even  Napoleon  is  unable  to  defeat." 

"  What  troops  do  you  refer  to?" 

"  I  refer  to  the  cold,  the  snow,  the  ice,  the  howling  storm 
blowing  from  Siberia,  like  the  angry  voice  of  Heaven,  strik- 
ing down  men  and  beasts  alike." 

"And  these  troops  of  God  have  defeated  Napoleon?" 

"  They  have,  general !" 

Blucher  uttered  a  cry,  and,  jumping  up  from  his  chair, 
drew  himself  up  to  his  full  height.  "  The  troops  of  God  have 
defeated  Napoleon !"  he  exclaimed,  solemnly.  "  I  have  always 
believed  in  divine  justice — slow  sometimes,  but  sure.  Tell 
me  every  thing,  my  friend,  tell  me  every  thing,"  he  added, 
sinking  back  into  the  chair,  quite  overwhelmed  by  what  he 
had  heard.  "  Commence  at  the  beginning,  for  I  feel  that  my 
joy  renders  this  old  head  confused,  and  I  must  gradually  ac- 
custom myself  to  it.  Tell  me  the  whole  history  of  the  Rus- 
sian campaign,  for  it  is  the  preface  I  ought  to  read  in  order 
to  be  able  to  understand  the  book.  And,  then,  in  conclusion, 
tell  me  what  the  good  Lord  has  done,  and  whether  He  Avill 
now  employ  His  old  Blucher.  I  feel  as  though  an  altar-taper 
had  been  suddenly  lighted  in  my  heart,  and  as  though  an 
organ  were  playing  in  my  head.  I  must  collect  my  thoughts. 
Speak,  Scharnhorst,  for  you  see  this  surprising  news  may 
make  me  insane."  He  pressed  his  hands  against  his  temples 
and  drew  a  deep  breath. 

His  wife  hastened  to  him,  and  with  her  soft  hand  caressed 
his  face,  and  looked  with  anxious  and  tender  glances  into  his 


116  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

wild  eyes.  "Be  calm,  Blucher,"  she  said.  "Calm  your 
great,  heroic  heart,  else  you  shall  and  must  not  hear  any 
thing  further. — General  Scharnhorst,  I  am  sure  you  will  not 
tell  him  anything  as  long  as  he  is  so  agitated." 

"I  will  be  calm,"  said  Blucher.  "You  see  that  I  am  so 
already,  and  that  I  sit  here  as  still  as  a  lamb.  Scharnhorst, 
tell  me,  therefore,  every  thing.  I  am  all  attention." 

"  And  while  listening  to  him,  take  again  your  old  friend, 
which  has  so  often  comforted  you  in  your  afflictions — put 
your  pipe  again  into  your  mouth,"  said  Amelia,  handing  it  to 
him. 

But  Blucher  refused  it,  almost  indignantly.  "No,"  he 
said,  "  one  does  not  smoke  at  church,  nor  when  the  Lord 
speaks,  and  Scharnhorst  is  about  to  tell  me  that  the  Lord  has 
spoken.  While  listening  to  such  words,  the  heart  must  be 
devout,  and  the  lips  may  bless  or  pray,  but  they  must  not 
hold  a  pipe.  And  now  speak,  Scharnhorst ;  I  am  quite  calm 
and  prepared  for  good  and  bad  news. " 


CHAPTER    XII. 

THE   OATH. 

" SPEAK,"  said  Blucher,  once  more.  "I  am  prepared  for 
every  thing.  Tell  me  about  Bonaparte  in  Russia." 

"  You  know  how  victoriously  and  irresistibly  Napoleon 
penetrated  with  the  various  columns  of  his  army  into  the  in- 
terior of  Russia,"  said  Scharnhorst.  "Nothing  seemed  to 
have  been  able  to  withstand  him — nothing  powerful  enough 
to  arrest  his  triumphant  progress.  The  Russian  generals,  as 
if  panic-stricken,  retreated  farther  and  farther  the  deeper  Na- 
poleon advanced  into  the  heart  of  the  empire.  Neither  Ku- 
tusoff,  nor  Wittgenstein,  nor  Barclay,  dared  risk  the  fate  of 
Russia  in  a  decisive  battle;  even  the  Emperor  Alexander  pre- 
ferred to  leave  the  army  and  retire  to  Moscow  to  wait  for  the 
arrival  of  fresh  reinforcements,  and  render  new  resources 
available.  Napoleon,  in  the  mean  time,  advanced  still  farther, 
constantly  in  search  of  the  enemy,  whom  he  was  unable  to  find 
anywhere,  and  everywhere  meeting  another  enemy  whom  he 
was  nowhere  able  to  avoid  or  conquer.  This  latter  was  the 
Russian  climate.  The  scorching  heat,  the  drenching  rains, 
bred  diseases  which  made  more  havoc  in  the  ranks  of  the 


THE  OATH.  117 

French  than  the  swords  of  living  enemies  would  have  been 
able  to  do.  At  the  same  time  supplies  were  wanting,  so  that 
the  immense  host  received  but  scanty  and  insufficient  rations. 
The  soldiers  suffered  the  greatest  privations,  and  the  Eussian 
people,  incited  by  their  czar  and  their  priests  to  intense  hatred 
and  fanatical  fury,  escaped  with  their  personal  property  and 
their  provisions  from  the  villages  and  the  small  towns  rather 
than  welcome  the  enemy  and  open  to  him  their  houses  in  com- 
pulsory hospitality.  The  French  army,  reduced  by  sickness, 
privations,  and  hunger,  to  nearly  one-half  of  its  original 
strength,  nevertheless  continued  advancing;  it  forced  an  en- 
trance into  Smolensk  after  a  bloody  struggle ;  after  taking  a 
short  rest  in  the  ruined,  burning,  and  entirely  deserted  city, 
it  marched  upon  Moscow.  In  front  of  this  ancient  capital  of 
the  czars  it  met  at  length  on  the  7th  of  September  the  living 
enemy  it  had  so  long  sought.  Bagration,  Kutusoff,  and  Bar- 
clay, occupied  with  their  army  positions  in  front  of  it  in  order 
to  prevent  the  approaching  foe  from  entering  holy  Moscow. 
You  know  the  particulars  of  the  bloody  battle  on  the  Moskwa. 
The  Russians  and  the  French  fought  on  this  7th  of  September 
for  eleven  long  hours  with  the  most  obstinate  exasperation, 
with  truly  fanatical  fury;  whole  ranks  were  mowed  down  like 
corn  under  the  harvester's  scythe ;  their  generals  and  chief- 
tains themselves  were  struck  down  in  the  unparalleled  strug- 
gle; more  than  seventy  thousand  killed  and  wounded  covered 
the  battle-field,  and  yet  there  were  no  decisive  results.  The 
Russians  had  only  been  forced  back,  but  not  defeated  and 
routed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  stand  in  need  of  peace,  in  order 
to  recover  from  the  terrible  consequences  of  the  struggle.  To 
be  sure,  Napoleon  held  the  battle-field,  and,  on  the  14th  of 
September,  made  his  entry  into  Moscow,  but  no  messengers 
came  to  him  from  Alexander  to  sue  for  peace ;  no  submissive 
envoys  to  meet  him,  as  he  had  been  accustomed  to  see  in  other 
conquered  cities,  and  surrender  him  the  keys;  the  streets  were 
deserted,  and  no  excited  crowd  appeared  either  there  or  at  the 
windows  of  the  houses  to  witness  his  entry.  The  city,  whence 
the  inhabitants  and  authorities  had  fled,  was  a  vast  gaping 
grave." 

"But  the  grave  soon  gave  signs  of  animation,"  exclaimed 
Blucher,  excitedly ;  "  the  desert  was  transformed  into  a  sea  of 
fire,  and  the  burning  city  gave  a  horrible  welcome  to  the 
French.  The  governor  of  Moscow,  Count  Rostopchin,  in- 
tended to  greet  the  entering  conqueror  with  an  illumination; 


118  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

and,  as  he  had  no  torches  handy,  he  set  fire  to  the  houses. 
He  removed  the  stores  and  supplies,  compelled  the  inhabitant* 
to  leave,  had  the  fire-engines  concealed,  ordered  inflammable 
oils  and  rosin  to  be  placed  everywhere  in  order  to  intensify 
the  fury  of  the  conflagration,  and  then  released  the  convicts 
that  they  might  set  fire  to  the  city.  The  first  house  kindled 
was  Eostopchin's  own  magnificent  palace,  close  to  the  gates  of 
Moscow.  Well,  it  is  true,  Eostopchin  acted  like  a  barbarian; 
but  still  the  man's  character  seems  grand,  and  his  ferocity 
that  of  the  lion  shaking  his  mane,  and  rushing  with  a  roar 
upon  his  adversary.  To  be  sure,  it  was  no  great  military  ex- 
ploit to  burn  down  a  large  city,  but  still  it  was  a  splendid 
stratagem,  and,  in  a  struggle  with  a  hateful  and  infamous 
enemy,  all  ways  and  means  are  permitted  and  justifiable.  I 
do  not  merely  excuse  Eostopchin,  but  I  admire  his  tremendous 
energy,  and  believe,  if  I  were  a  Eussian,  I  would  likewise  have 
done  something  of  the  sort.  His  act  compelled  the  enemy 
soon  to  leave,  as  he  could  not  establish  his  winter-quarters 
amid  smoking  ruins,  and  to  retreat  instead  of  advancing,  and 
obliged  the  Emperor  Alexander  to  cease  his  vacillating  course 
— inasmuch  as,  after  the  conflagration,  further  attempts  at 
bringing  about  a  compromise  and  reconciliation  between  the 
belligerents  were  entirely  out  of  the  question." 

"No,  general,  Eostopchin  did  not  bring  this  about,"  ex- 
claimed Scharnhorst,  "  but  it  was  our  great  friend  Stein  who 
did  it.  God  Himself  sent  Minister  von  Stein  to  Eussia,  that 
he  might  stand  as  an  immovable  rock  by  the  side  of  the  mild 
and  fickle  Alexander,  and  that  his  fiery  soul  might  strengthen 
the  fluctuating  resolutions  of  the  czar,  and  inspire  him  with 
true  faith  in,  and  reliance  on,  the  great  cause  of  the  freedom 
of  the  European  nations,  which  was  now  to  be  decided  upon 
the  snowy  fields  of  Eussia.  We  owe  it  to  Stein  alone  that  the 
peace  .party  at  the  Eussian  headquarters  did  not  gain  the  em- 
peror over  to  their  side ;  we  owe  it  to  Stein  that  Alexander 
determined  to  pursue  a  manly,  energetic  course;  that  he  re- 
fused to  allow  the  diplomatists  to  interfere,  but  left  the 
decision  to  the  sword  alone,  and  constantly  and  proudly  re- 
jected all  the  offers  of  peace  which  Napoleon  now  began  to 
make  to  him.  And  Stein  found  a  new  ally  in  the  climate 
uniting  with  him  in  his  inexorable  hostility  to  the  French. 
Napoleon  felt  that  he  ought  not  to  await  the  approach  of  win- 
ter at  Moscow,  and  on  the  18th  of  October  he  left  the  inhos- 
pitable city  with  the  remnants  of  his  army.  But  winter 


THE  OATH.  IK 

dogged  his  steps;  winter  attached  itself  as  a  heavy  burden  to 
the  feet  of  his  soldiers;  it  laid  itself  like  lead  on  their  para- 
lyzed brain,  and  caused  the  horses,  guns,  and  caissons,  to  stick 
fast  in  the  snow  and  ice.  Winter  dissolved  the  French  army. 
Men  and  beasts  perished  by  cold ;  discipline  and  subordination 
were  entirely  disregarded ;  every  one  thought  only  of  preserv- 
ing his  own  life,  of  appeasing  his  hunger,  and  relieving  his 
distress.  Piles  of  corpses  and  dead  horses  marked  the  route 
of  this  terrible  retreat  of  the  French;  and  when,  on  the  9th 
of  November,  they  entered  Smolensk,  the  whole  grand  army 
consisted  only  of  forty  thousand  armed  men,  and  crowds  of 
stragglers  destitute  of  arms  and  without  discipline." 

"And  still  this  cruel  tyrant  and  heartless  braggart,  the 
great  Napoleon,  dared  to  boast  of  his  victories,  and  the  splen- 
did condition  of  his  army,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  angrily. 
"  And  he  sent  constantly  new  bulletins  of  pretended  victories 
into  the  world,  and  the  stupid  Germans  believed  them  to  be 
true,  the  supposed  successes  causing  them  to  tremble.  I  have 
read  these  lying  bulletins,  and  the  perusal  made  me  ill.  They 
dwelt  on  nothing  but  the  victories,  the  glorious  conduct,  and 
the  fine  condition  of  the  grand  army." 

"But  now  you  shall  read  a  new  one,  friend  Blucher,"  ex- 
claimed Scharnhorst ;  "  here  is  the  twenty-ninth  bulletin,  and 
I  will  communicate  to  you  also  the  latest  news  from  the  grand 
army  and  the  great  Napoleon,  which  couriers  from  Berlin  and 
Dresden  brought  me  last  night,  and  which  induced  me  to  set 
out  so  early  to-day  in  order  to  reach  my  Blucher,  and  tell  him 
of  a  new  era.  Here  is  the  twenty-ninth  bulletin,  and  in  it 
Napoleon  dares  no  longer  boast  of  victories;  he  almost  dares 
tell  the  truth." 

"Let  me  read  it!"  exclaimed  Blucher,  impatiently  seizing 
the  printed  sheet  which  Scharnhorst  handed  to  him.  Gasp- 
ing with  inward  emotion,  he  began  to  read  it,  but  his  hands 
soon  trembled,  and  the  letters  swam  before  his  eyes. 

"  I  cannot  read  it  through,"  said  Blucher,  sighing.  "  There 
is  a  storm  raging  in  my  heart,  and  it  blows  out  the  light  of 
my  eyes.  Read  the  remainder  to  me,  my  friend.  I  have  read 
it  to  the  engagement  on  the  Beresina,  where  Napoleon  says 
that  General  Victor  gained  another  victory  on  the  28th  of 
November." 

"  But  this  victory  consisted  only  in  the  fact  that  General 
Victor,  with  his  twelve  thousand  men,  prevented  the  Russian* 
from  reaching  the  banks  of  the  Beresina,  so  that  two  bridge* 


120  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

could  be  built  across  it,  and  that  the  ragged  wretches  compos- 
ing the  grand  army  could  reach  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 
That  passage  of  the  Beresina  was  a  terrible  moment,  which 
will  never  be  forgotten  by  history — a  tragedy  full  of  horrors, 
wretchedness,  and  despair.  Stein's  agents  have  sent  me  Eus- 
sian  reports  of  this  event,  which  contain  the  most  heart-rend- 
ing and  revolting  details.  Books  will  be  written  to  depict 
the  dreadful  scenes  of  that  day ;  but  neither  historians,  nor 
painters,  nor  poets,  will  find  words  or  colors  to  portray  those 
unparalleled  horrors." 

"And  does  he  describe  those  scenes  in  his  bulletin?"  asked 
Blucher.  "  Eead  me  its  conclusion.  Does  he  allude  to  those 
horrors  of  the  Beresina?" 

"  No,  general ;  he  speaks  only  of  the  victory  and  the  pas- 
sage across  the  river,  and  then  continues:  'On  the  following 
day,  the  29th  of  November,  we  remained  on  the  battle-field. 
We  had  to  choose  between  two  routes:  the  road  of  Minsk,  and 
that  of  Wilna.  The  road  of  Minsk  passes  through  the  middle 
of  a  forest  and  uncultivated  morasses;  that  of  Wilna,  on  the 
contrary,  passes  through  a  very  fine  part  of  the  country.  The 
army,  destitute  of  cavalry,  but  poorly  provided  with  ammuni- 
tion, and  terribly  exhausted  by  the  fatigues  of  a  fifty  days' 
march,  took  with  it  its  sick  and  wounded,  and  was  anxious  to 
reach  its  magazines. '  " 

"  That  is  to  say,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  "  they  died  of  hunger, 
and,  as  he  says  that  they  were  terribly  exhausted  by  a  fifty 
days'  march,  dropped  like  flies.  Oh,  it  is  true,  the  Emperor 
Napoleon  is  very  laconic  in  his  account  of  that  retreat,  but  he 
who  knows  how  to  penetrate  the  meaning  of  his  few  lines 
cannot  fail  to  receive  a  deep  impression  of  the  wretchedness 
that  unfortunate  army  had  to  undergo.  Eead  on,  dear 
Scharnhorst." 

Scharnhorst  continued:  "'If  it  must  be  admitted  that  it 
is  necessary  for  the  army  to  reestablish  its  discipline,  to  re- 
cover from  its  long  fatigues,  to  remount  its  cavalry,  artillery, 
and  materiel,  it  is  only  the  natural  result  of  the  events  which 
we  have  just  described.  Eepose  is  now,  above  all,  indispensa- 
ble to  the  army.  The  trains  and  horses  are  already  arriving; 
the  artillery  has  repaired  its  losses,  but  the  generals,  officers, 
and  soldiers,  have  suffered  intensely  by  the  fatigues  and  pri- 
vations of  the  march.  Owing  to  the  loss  of  their  horses, 
many  have  lost  their  baggage;  others  have  been  deprived  of 
it  by  Cossacks  lying  in  ambush.  They  have  captured  a  great 


THE  OATH.  121 

many  individuals,  such  as  engineers,  geographers,  and 
wounded  officers,  who  marched  without  the  necessary  precau- 
tions, and  exposed  themselves  to  the  danger  of  being  taken 
prisoners  rather  than  quietly  march  in  the  midst  of  the 
convoys. ' ' 

"  And  the  Cossacks  have  spared  him  !  "  exclaimed  Blucher, 
impatiently.  "  They  did  not  take  him  prisoner!  What  is  he 
doing,  then,  that  the  Cossacks  cannot  catch  him?  Tell  me, 
Scharnhorst — the  bulletin,  then,  does  not,  like  its  predeces- 
sors, dwell  on  the  heroic  exploits  of  the  great  emperor?  He 
does  not  praise  himself  as  he  formerly  used  to  do?" 

"  Oh,  he  does  not  fail  to  do  so.  Listen  to  the  conclusion : 
'During  all  these  operations  the  emperor  marched  constantly 
in  the  midst  of  his  guard,  the  marshal  Duke  d'Istria  com- 
manding the  cavalry,  and  the  Duke  de  Dantzic  the  infantry. 
His  majesty  was  content  with  the  excellent  spirit  manifested 
by  the  guard,  always  ready  to  march  to  points  where  the  situ- 
ation was  such  that  its  mere  presence  sufficed  to  check  the 
enemy.  Our  cavalry  lost  so  heavily,  that  it  was  difficult  to 
collect  officers  enough,  who  were  still  possessed  of  horses,  to 
form  four  companies,  each  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men.  In 
these  companies,  generals  performed  the  services  of  captains, 
and  colonels  those  of  non-commissioned  officers.  The  "  Sacred 
Legion,"  commanded  by  the  King  of  Naples  and  General 
Grouchy,  never  lost  sight  of  the  emperor  during  all  these 
operations.  The  health  of  his  majesty  never  was  better.'  "  * 

"And  he  dares  to  proclaim  that!"  exclaimed  Blucher,  in- 
dignantly. "  His  army  is  dying  of  hunger  and  cold,  and  he 
proclaims  to  the  world,  as  if  in  mockery,  that  his  health  never 
was  better!  It  is  his  fault  that  hundreds  of  thousands  are 
perishing  in  the  most  heart-rending  manner,  and  he  boasts  of 
his  extraordinary  good  health !  He  must  have  a  stone  in  his 
breast  instead  of  a  heart ;  otherwise,  a  general  whose  army  is 
perishing  under  his  eyes  cannot  be  in  extraordinary  good 
health.  He  will  be  punished  for  it,  and  will  not  always  feel 
so  well." 

"He  has  already  been  punished,  my  friend,"  said  Scharn- 
horst, solemnly.  "  It  has  pleased  God  to  chastise  the  arrogant 
tyrant  and  to  bow  his  proud  head  to  the  dust." 

Blucher  jumped  up,  and  a  deep  pallor  overspread  his  cheeks. 
"  He  has  been  punished?"  he  asked,  breathlessly.  "  Napoleon 
in  the  dust!  What  is  it?  Speak  quickly,  Scharnhorst; 

*  Fain,  "  Manuserit  de  1812. " 
9 


12  2  NAPOLEON  AND   BLUCHER. 

speak,  if  you  do  not  want  me  to  die!  What  has  hap- 
pened?" 

"  He  has  left  his  army,  and  secretly  fled  from  Kussia!" 

Blucher  uttered  a  cry,  and,  without  a  word,  rushed  toward 
the  door.  Scharnhorst  and  Amelia  hastened  after  him  and 
kept  him  back. 

"  What  do  you  wish  to  do?"  asked  Scharnhorst. 

"  I  wish  to  pursue  him!"  exclaimed  Blucher,  vainly  trying 
to  disengage  himself  from  the  hands  of  his  wife  and  the  gen- 
eral. "  Let  me  go — do  not  detain  me!  I  must  pursue  him — 
I  must  take  him  prisoner!  If  he  has  fled  from  his  army,  he 
must  return  to  France,  and  if  he  wants  to  return  to  France, 
he  must  pass  through  Germany.  Let  me  go!  He  must  not 
be  permitted  to  escape  from  Germany!" 

"  But  he  has  already  escaped,"  said  Scharnhorst,  smiling. 

"What!  Passed  through  Germany?"  asked  Blucher. 
"  And  no  one  has  tried  to  arrest  him?" 

"  No  one  knew  that  he  was  there.  He  left  his  army  on  the 
6th  of  December;  attended  only  by  Caulaincourt  and  his 
Mameluke  Eoustan,  recognized  by  no  one,  expected  by  no 
one,  he  sped  in  fabulous  haste  in  an  unpretending  sleigh 
through  the  whole  of  Poland  and  Prussia.  Only  after  he  set 
out  was  it  known  at  the  places  where  he  stopped  that  he  had 
been  there.  He  travelled  as  swiftly  as  the  storm.  On  the 
Oth  of  December  he  was  at  Wilua,  on  the  10th  of  December  at 
Warsaw,  and  in  the  night  of  the  14th  of  December  suddenly 
a  plain  sleigh  stopped  in  front  of  the  residence  of  M.  Serra, 
French  ambassador  at  Dresden:  two  footmen  were  seated  on 
the  box,  and  in  the  sleigh  itself  there  were  two  gentlemen, 
wrapped  in  furred  robes,  and  so  much  benumbed  by  the  cold 
that  they  had  to  be  lifted  out.  These  two  gentlemen  were 
the  Emperor  Napoleon  and  Caulaincourt.  Napoleon  had  an 
interview  with  the  King  of  Saxony  the  same  night,  and,  con- 
tinuing his  journey,  reached  Erfurt  on  the  15th,  and — " 

"And  to-day  is  already  the  17th  of  December,"  said 
Blucher,  sighing;  "he  will,  therefore,  be  beyond  the  Ehine. 
And  I  must  allow  him  to  escape !  I  am  unable  to  detain  him ! 
Oh,  that  the  little  satisfaction  had  been  granted  me  of  captur- 
ing Napoleon !  Well,  it  has  been  decreed  that  this  should  not 
be;  but  one  thing  at  least  is  settled.  Napoleon  has  been  de- 
serted by  his  former  good  luck;  Dame  Fortune,  who  always 
was  seated  in  his  triumphal  car,  has  alighted  from  it,  and  now 
we  may  hope  to  see  her  soon  restored  to  her  old  place  on  the  top 


THE  OATH. 

of  the  Brandenburg  gate  at  Berlin.  Hurrah,  my  friend!  we 
are  going  to  rise ;  I  feel  it  in  my  bones,  and  the  time  has  come 
when  old  Blucher  will  again  be  permitted  to  be  a  man,  and 
will  no  longer  be  required  to  draw  his  nightcap  over  his  ears." 

"  Yes,  the  time  has  come  when  Prussia  needs  her  valiant 
.Blucher,"  said  Scharnhorst,  tenderly  laying  his  arm  on 
Blucher's.  "  Now  raise  your  head,  general — now  prepare  for 
action,  for  Blucher  must  henceforth  be  ready  at  a  moment's 
notice  to  obey  the  call  of  Prussia,  and  place  himself  at  the 
head  of  her  brave  sons,  who  are  so  eager  for  the  fray." 

"Yes,  yes,  we  shall  have  war  now,"  exclaimed  Blucher. 
"Soon  the  drums  will  roll,  and  the  cannon  boom — soon 
Blucher  will  no  longer  be  a  childish  and  decrepit  old  man 
whom  wiseacres  think  they  can  mock  and  laugh  at — soon 
Blucher  will  once  more  be  a  man  who,  sword  in  hand,  will 
shout  to  his  troops,  'Forward! — charge  the  enemy!'  Great 
Heaven,  Scharnhorst,  and  I  have  not  even  dressed  becomingly 
— I  still  wear  a  miserable  civilian's  coat !  Suppose  war  should 
break  out  to-day,  and  they  should  come  and  call  me  to  the 
army?  Why,  Blucher  would  have  to  hang  his  head  in  shame, 
and  acknowledge  that  he  was  not  ready ! — John!  John! — my 
uniform !  Come  to  my  bedroom,  John !  I  want  to  dress ! — 
to  put  on  my  uniform!" 

Fifteen  minutes  afterward  Blucher  returned  to  the  sitting- 
room,  where  his  wife  was  gayly  chatting  with  Scharnhorst. 
He  was  not  now  the  sick,  suffering  old  man  whom  we  saw  this 
morning  sitting  on  the  easy-chair  at  the  window,  but  he  was 
once  more  a  fiery  soldier  and  a  hero.  His  head  was  proudly 
erect,  his  eyes  were  flashing,  a  proud  smile  was  playing  round 
his  lips;  his  broad-shouldered  form  was  clothed  in  the  uni- 
form of  a  Prussian  general;  orders  were  glittering  on  his 
breast,  and  the  long  rattling  sword  hung  at  his  left  side. 

Blucher  approached  his  wife  and  General  Scharnhorst  with 
dignified  steps,  and,  giving  his  hands  to  both,  said  in  a  grave 
and  solemn  voice,  "  The  time  for  delay,  impatience,  and  folly, 
is  past.  With  this  uniform  I  have  become  a  new  man.  I  am 
no  longer  an  impatient  septuagenarian,  cursing  and  killing 
flies  on  the  wall  because  he  has  no  one  else  on  whom  to  vent 
his  wrath ;  but  I  am  a  soldier  standing  composedly  at  his  post, 
and  waiting  for  the  hour  when  he  will  be  able  to  destroy  his 
enemy.  Come,  my  friends, — come  with  me!" 

He  drew  the  two  with  him,  and  walked  so  rapidly  through 
the  rooms  that  they  were  scarcely  able  to  accompany  him. 


124  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

They  entered  the  large  reception-room,  opened  only  on  festive 
occasions.  It  contained  nothing  but  some  tinselled  furniture, 
a  few  tables  with  marble  tops,  and  on  the  pillars  between  the 
windows  large  Venetian  mirrors.  Otherwise  the  walls  were 
bare,  except  over  the  sofa,  where  hung,  in  a  finely-carved  and 
gilded  frame,  a  painting,  which  however  was  covered  with  a 
large  veil  of  black  crape. 

Blucher  conducted  the  two  to  this  painting ;  for  a  moment 
he  stood  still  and  gazed  on  it  gravely  and  musingly,  and,  rais- 
ing his  right  hand  with  a  quick  jerk,  he  tore  down  the 
mourning-veil. 

"Queen  Louisa!"  exclaimed  Scharnhorst,  admiring  the  tall 
and  beautiful  lady  smiling  on  him.  "Yes, "said  Blucher, 
solemnly,  "Queen  Louisa!  The  guardian  angel  of  Prussia, 
whose  heart  Napoleon  broke!  This  pride  and  joy  of  all  our 
women  had  to  depart  without  hoping  even  in  the  possibility 
that  the  calamities  which  ruined  her  might  come  to  an  end. 
On  the  day  she  died  I  covered  her  portrait  with  this  veil,  and 
swore  not  to  look  again  at  her  adored  countenance  until  able 
to  draw  my  sword,  and,  with  Prussia's  soldiers,  avenge  her 
untimely  death.  The  time  has  come!  Louisa,  rise  again 
from  your  grave,  open  once  more  your  beautiful  eyes,  for  day- 
light is  at  hand,  and  our  night  is  ended.  Now,  my  beautiful 
queen,  listen  to  the  oath  of  your  most  faithful  servant!"  He 
drew  his  sword,  and,  raising  it  up  to  the  painting,  exclaimed: 
"  Here  is  my  sword  !  When  I  sheathed  it  last,  I  wept,  for  I 
was  to  be  an  invalid,  and  should  no  longer  wield  it;  I  was  to 
sit  here  in  idleness,  and  silently  witness  the  sufferings  of  my 
fatherland.  But  now  I  shall  soon  be  called  into  service,  and 
I  swear  to  you,  Queen  Louisa,  that  I  will  not  sheathe  this 
sword  before  I  have  avenged  your  death,  before  Germany  and 
Prussia  are  free  again,  and  Napoleon  has  received  his  punish- 
ment. I  swear  it  to  you,  as  sure  as  I  am  old  Blucher,  and 
have  seen  the  tears  which  Prussia's  disgrace  has  often  wrung 
from  your  eyes.  May  God  help  me!  may  He  in  His  mercy 
spare  me  until  I  have  fulfilled  my  oath!  Amen!" 

"Amen!"  repeated  Scharnhorst  and  Amelia,  looking  up  to 
the  portrait. 

"Amen!"  said  Blucher  again.  "And  now,  Amelia,"  he 
added,  quickly,  "  come  and  give  me  a  kiss,  and,  by  this  kis^, 
consecrate  your  warrior,  that  he  may  deliver  Germany  and 
overthrow  Napoleon.  For  Napoleon  must  now  be  hurled  from 
the  throne!" 


CHANCELLOR  VON  HARDENBERG. 


CHAPTEK    XIII. 

THE   INTERRUPTED   SUPPER. 

IT  was  on  the  4th  of  January,  1813.  The  brilliant  official 
festivities  with  which  the  beginning  of  a  new  year  had  been 
celebrated,  were  at  an  end,  and,  the  ceremonious  dinner- 
parties being  over,  one  was  again  at  liberty  to  indulge  in  the 
enjoyment  of  familiar  suppers,  where  more  attention  was 
paid  to  the  flavor  of  choice  wines  and  delicacies  than  to  official 
toasts  and  political  speeches.  Marshal  Augereau  gave  at  Ber- 
lin on  this  day  one  of  those  pleasant  little  entertainments  to 
his  favored  friends,  to  indemnify  them,  as  it  were,  for  the 
great  gala  dinner  of  a  hundred  covers,  given  by  him  on  the 
1st  of  January,  as  official  representative  of  the  Emperor 
Napoleon. 

To-day  the  supper  was  served  in  the  small,  cozy  saloon,  and 
and  it  was  but  a  petit  comite  that  assembled  round  the  table 
in  the  middle  of  the  room.  This  comite  consisted  only  of  five 
gentlemen,  with  pleasant,  smiling  faces,  in  gorgeous,  pro- 
fusely-embroidered uniforms,  on  the  left  sides  of  which  many 
glittering  orders  indicated  the  high  rank  of  the  small  com- 
pany. There  was,  in  the  first  place,  Marshal  Augereau,  gov- 
ernor of  Berlin,  once  so  furious  a  republican  that  he  threatened 
with  death  all  the  members  of  his  division  who  would  address 
any  one  with  "monsieur,"  or"rnadame" — now  the  most  ar- 
dent imperialist,  and  an  admirer  of  the  Emperor  Napoleon. 
The  gentleman  by  his  side,  with  the  short,  corpulent  figure 
and  aristocratic  countenance,  from  which  a  smile  never  dis- 
appeared, was  the  chancellor  of  state  and  prime  minister  of 
King  Frederick  William  III.,  Baron  von  Hardenberg.  He 
was  just  engaged  in  an  eager  conversation  with  his  neighbor, 
Count  Narbonne,  the  faithless  renegade  and  former  adherent 
of  the  Bourbons,  who  had  but  lately  deserted  to  Napoleon's 
camp,  and  allowed  himself  to  be  used  by  the  emperor  on 


126  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

various  diplomatic  missions.  Next  to  him  sat  Prince  Hatz- 
feld,  the  man  on  whom,  in  1807,  Napoleon's  anger  had  fallen, 
and  who  would  have  been  shot  as  a  "  traitor  "  if  the  impas- 
sioned intercession  of  his  wife  had  not  succeeded  in  softening 
the  emperor,  and  thus  saving  her  husband's  life.  Near  him, 
and  closing  the  circle,  sat  Count  St.  Marsan,  Napoleon's  am- 
bassador at  the  court  of  Prussia. 

These  five  gentlemen  had  already  been  at  the  table  for  sev- 
eral hours,  and  were  now  in  that  comfortable  and  agreeable 
mood  which  epicures  feel  when  they  have  found  the  numerous 
courses  palatable  and  piquant,  the  Hock  sufficiently  cold,  the 
Burgundy  sufficiently  warm,  the  oysters  fresh,  and  the  truffles 
well-flavored.  They  had  got  as  far  as  the  roast ;  the  pheas- 
ants, with  their  delicate  sauce,  filled  the  room  with  an  appe- 
tizing odor,  and  the  corks  of  the  champagne-bottles  gave  loud 
reports,  as  if  by  way  of  salute  fired  in  honor  of  the  trium- 
phant entry  of  Pleasure. 

Marshal  Augereau  raised  his  glass.  "  I  drink  this  in  honor 
of  our  emperor!"  he  exclaimed,  in  an  enthusiastic  tone.  The 
gentlemen  touched  each  other's  glasses,  and  the  three  repre- 
sentatives of  France  then  emptied  theirs  at  one  draught. 
Prince  Hatzfeld  followed  their  example,  but  Baron  von  Har- 
denberg  only  touched  the  brim  of  his  glass  with  his  lips,  and 
put  it  down  again. 

"Your  excellency  does  not  drink?"  asked  Augereau. 
"Then  you  are  not  in  earnest?" 

"  Yes,  marshal,  I  am  in  earnest,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling, 
"  but  you  used  a  word  which  prevented  me  from  emptying  my 
glass.  You  said,  'In  honor  of  our  emperor!  Now,  I  am  the 
devoted  and,  I  may  well  say,  faithful  servant  of  my  master, 
King  Frederick  William,  and  therefore  I  cannot  call  the  great 
Napoleon  my  emperor." 

"Oh,  I  used  a  wrong  expression,"  exclaimed  Augereau, 
hastily.  "  Let  us  fill  our  glasses  anew,  and  drink  this  time 
'the  health  of  the  great  emperor  Napoleon!"  He  touched 
glasses  with  the  chancellor  of  state,  and  then  fixed  his  keen 
eyes  upon  the  minister. 

Baron  von  Hardenberg  raised  the  glass  to  his  lips,  but  then 
withdrew  it  again,  and,  bowing  smilingly  to  Marshal  Auge- 
reau, said:  "Permit  me,  marshal,  to  add  something  to  your 
toast.  Let  us  drink  'the  health  of  the  great  emperor,  and  a 
long  and  prosperous  alliance  with  Prussia!' ' 

"'And  a  long  and  prosperous  alliance  with  Prussia,'"  re- 


THE  INTERRUPTED  SUPPER.          12? 

peated    the    four  gentlemen,    emptying    their   glasses,    and 
resuming  their  chairs. 

"  We  have  just  drunk  to  the  success  of  our  divulged  secret," 
said  Prince  Hatzfeld,  smiling.  "  For  I  suppose,  your  excel- 
lency," turning  to  Baron  von  Hardenberg,"  this  new  happy  alli- 
ance between  Prussia  and  France  is  now  not  much  of  a  secret?" 

"  I  hope  it  will  soon  be  no  secret  at  all,"  said  Hardenberg. 
"  Prussia  has  received  the  proposition  of  France  with  heart- 
felt joy,  and  will  hail  the  marriage  of  her  crown  prince  Fred- 
erick William  as  the  happiest  guaranty  of  an  indissoluble 
union.  Only  the  crown  prince  is  too  young  as  yet  to  marry, 
and  at  the  present  time,  at  least,  allusions  to  the  happiness  of 
his  future  should  be  avoided.  His  thoughts  should  belong 
only  to  God  and  religion,  for  you  know,  gentlemen,  that  the 
crown  prince  will  be  solemnly  confirmed  in  the  course  of  a  few 
days.  Only  after  he  has  pledged  his  soul  to  God  will  it  be 
time  for  him  to  pledge  his  heart  to  love;  only  then  communi- 
cations will  be  made  to  him  as  to  the  brilliant  future  that  is 
opening  for  him,  and,  no  doubt,  he  will,  like  the  king,  be 
ready  to  bind  even  more  firmly  the  ties  uniting  Prussia  with 
France.  He  will  be  proud  to  receive  for  a  consort  a  princess  of 
the  house  of  Napoleon,  for  such  a  marriage  will  render  him  a 
relative  of  the  greatest  prince  of  his  century!" 

"  Of  a  prince  whom  Heaven  loves  above  all  others,  as  it  lav- 
ishes upon  him  greater  prosperity  than  upon  others,"  ex- 
claimed Prince  Hatzfeld,  emphatically.  "  God's  love  is  visibly 
with  him,  and  protects  His  favorite.  Who  but  he  would  have 
been  able  to  overcome  the  terrible  dangers  of  the  Kussian 
campaign,  and,  with  an  eagle's  flight,  return  to  France  from 
the  snowy  deserts  of  Russia,  without  losing  a  single  plume  of 
his  wings?" 

"It  is  true,"  responded  Augereau,  thoughtfully.  "For- 
tune, or,  if  you  prefer,  Providence,  is  with  the  emperor;  it 
protects  him  in  all  dangers,  and  allows  him  to  issue  victori- 
ously from  all  storms.  In  Russia  he  was  in  danger  of  ruining 
his  glory  and  his  army,  but  the  battle  of  Borodino,  and  still 
more  that  on  the  banks  of  the  Beresina,  saved  his  laurels. 
The  emperor  travelled  deserted  roads,  without  an  escort  or 
protection,  through  Poland  and  Germany,  in  order  to  return 
to  France.  If  he  had  been  recognized,  perhaps  it  might  have 
entered  the  heads  of  some  enthusiasts  to  attack  and  capture 
him  on  his  solitary  journey;  but  the  eyes  of  his  enemies 
seemed  to  have  been  blinded.  The  emperor  was  not  recog- 


128  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

nized,  and  appeared  suddenly  in  Paris,  where  the  greatest  ex 
citement,  consternation,  and  confusion,  were  prevailing  at 
that  moment.  For  Paris  had  just  then  been  profoundly 
moved  by  the  depjoi-able  conspiracy  of  General  Mallet,  and 
the  Parisians  were  asking  each  other  in  dismay  whether  Gen- 
eral Mallet  might  not  have  been  right  after  all  in  announcing 
that  Napoleon  was  dead,  and  whether  his  death  was  not  kept 
a  secret  merely  from  motives  of  policy.  Suddenly  Napoleon 
appeared  in  the  streets  of  Paris.  All  rushed  out  to  behold 
the  emperor,  or  touch  his  horse,  body,  hands,  or  feet,  to  look 
into  his  eyes,  to  hear  his  voice,  and  satisfy  themselves  that  it 
was  really  Napoleon — not  an  apparition.  Their  cheers  rang, 
and,  in  their  happiness  at  seeing  him  again  in  their  midst, 
they  pardoned  him  for  having  left  their  sons  and  brothers, 
fathers  and  husbands,  as  frozen  corpses  on  the  plains  of  Rus- 
sia. Never  before  had  Napoleon  enjoyed  a  greater  triumph 
as  on  the  day  of  his  return  from  the  Russian  campaign.  For- 
tune is  the  goddess  chained  to  the  emperor's  triumphal  car, 
and  the  nations  therefore  would  act  very  foolishly  if  they 
dared  rise  against  him." 

"  Happily,  they  have  given  np  all  such  schemes,"  said  Har- 
denberg,  smiling,  and  quietly  cutting  the  pheasant's  wing  on 
his  silver  plate.  "They  are  asking  and  longing  only  for 
peace  in  order  to  dress  their  wounds,  cultivate  their  fields, 
and  peaceably  reap  the  harvest." 

"  And  the  word  of  the  Emperor  Napoleon  is  a  pledge  to 
nations  that  they  shall  be  enabled  to  do  so,"  exclaimed  St. 
Marsan.  "  He  wants  peace,  and  is  ready  to  make  every  sacri- 
fice to  conclude  and  maintain  it." 

"  The  German  princes,  of  course,  will  joyously  offer  him 
their  hands  for  that  purpose,"  said  Hardenberg,  bowing  his 
head.  "  In  truth,  I  could  not  say  at  what  point  of  Germany 
war  could  break  out  at  this  juncture.  The  princes  of  the 
German  Confederation  of  the  Rhine  have  long  since  acknowl- 
edged the  Emperor  of  the  French  as  their  master,  and  them- 
selves as  his  obedient  vassals.  Powerful  Austria  has  allied 
herself  with  France  by  the  ties  of  a  marriage,  and  the  hands 
of  Maria  Louisa  and  Napoleon  are  stretched  out  in  blessing 
over  the  two  countries.  Poor  Prussia  has  not  only  proved  her 
fidelity  as  an  ally  of  France,  but  is  now,  forgetful  of  all  her 
former  humiliations,  ready  to  consent  to  a  marriage  of  her 
future  king  with  a  Napoleonic  princess.  Whence,  then, 
could  come  a  cause  for  a  new  war  between  France  and  Ger- 


THE  INTERRUPTED  SUPPER.  129 

many?  We  shall  have  peace,  doubtless — a  long  and  durable 
peace!" 

"And  that  will  be  very  fortunate,"  said  Count  Narbonne, 
"  for  then  it  will  no  longer  be  necessary  for  us  to  allow  miser- 
able politics  to  poison  our  suppers.  'Politics,'  said  my  great 
royal  patron,  King  Louis  XVI.,  the  worthy  uncle  of  the  Em- 
peror Napoleon,  'politics  know  nothing  of  the  culinary  art; 
they  spoil  all  dishes,  and  care,  therefore,  ought  to  be  taken 
not  to  allow  them  to  enter  the  kitchen  or  the  dining-room. 
One  must  not  admit  them  even  directly  after  eating,  for  they 
interfere  with  digestion;  only  during  the  morning  hours 
should  audiences  be  given  to  them,  for  then  they  may  serve 
as  Spanish  pepper,  imparting  a  flavor  to  one's  breakfast.' 
That  was  a  very  sagacious  remark ;  I  feel  it  at  this  moment 
when  you  so  cruelly  sprinkle  politics  over  this  splendid 
pheasant." 

"You  are  right,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  laughing,  "I 
therefore  beg  your  excellency's  pardon ;  for  Spanish  pepper, 
which  is  very  palatable  in  Cumberland  sauce,  and  a  few  other 
dishes,  is  surely  entirely  out  of  place  when  mixed  with  French 
truffles." 

"Unhappy  man,"  exclaimed  Narbonne,  with  ludicrous 
pathos,  "  you  are  again  talking  politics,  and  moreover  of  the 
worst  sort!" 

"How  so?"  asked  Count  St.  Marsan.  "What  displeases 
you  in  the  remarks  of  Minister  von  Hardenberg?" 

"  Well,  did  you  not  notice  that  his  excellency  alluded  to  our 
unsuccessful  efforts  in  Spam?  Spanish  pepper,  he  said,  is 
surely  entirely  out  of  place  when  mixed  with  French  truffles, 
but  very  palatable  in  English  sauces.  That  is  to  say,  Spain 
and  England  are  good  allies,  and  Spain  and  France  will  never 
be  reconciled.  And  it  is  true,  it  is  a  mortal  war  which  Spain 
is  waging  against  us,  and  unfortunately  one  which  offers  us 
but  few  chances  of  success.  The  Spaniards  contest  every  inch 
of  ground  with  the  most  dogged  obstinacy,  and  they  have 
found  very  valuable  auxiliaries  in  Lord  Wellington  and  his 
English  troops.  They — " 

"  Ah,  my  dear  count,"  exclaimed  Marshal  Augereau,  smiling, 
"  now  it  is  you  who  talk  politics,  and  it  behooves  you  no 
longer  to  accuse  us." 

"You  are  right,  and  I  beg  your  pardon,"  said  Narbonne; 
"  but  you  see  how  true  the  old  proverb  proves:  'Bad  examples 
spoil  good  manners. '  Let  us  talk  no  longer  about  pepper,  but 


130  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

truffles.  Just  compare  this  truffle  from  Perigord  with  the 
Italian  truffle  at  the  entremets,  and  you  will  have  to  admit 
that  our  Perigord  truffle  is  in  every  respect  superior  to  the 
latter.  It  is  more  savory  and  piquant.  There  can  be  no 
doubt  of  it  that  Perigord  furnishes  the  most  palatable  fruit 
to  the  world." 

"What  fruit  do  you  allude  to?"  asked  Hardenberg,  smiling. 
"  Do  you  refer  to  the  Perigord  truffle,  or  to  the  Abbot  of 
Perigord,  the  great  Talleyrand?" 

"I  see  you  are  lost  beyond  redemption,"  said  Narbonne, 
sighing,  while  the  other  gentlemen  burst  into  laughter. 
"  Even  in  the  face  of  a  truffle  you  still  dare  to  amuse  yourself 
with  political  puns,  and  confound  intentionally  an  abbot  with 
a  truffle!  Oh,  what  a  blasphemy  against  the  finest  of  all 
fruits — I  allude,  of  course,  to  the  truffle — oh,  it  is  treason 
committed — " 

Just  then  the  door  of  the  saloon  was  hastily  opened,  and 
the  first  secretary  of  the  French  embassy  entered  the  room. 

"  What,  sir!"  shouted  Count  St.  Marsan  to  him,  "  you  come 
to  disturb  me  here?  Some  important  event,  then,  has  taken 
place?" 

The  secretary  approached  him  hurriedly.  "  Yes,  your  ex- 
cellency," he  said,  "highly  important  and  urgent  dispatches 
have  arrived.  They  come  from  the  army,  and  an  aide-de- 
camp of  Marshal  Macdonald  is  their  bearer.  He  has  travelled 
night  and  day  to  reach  your  excellency  at  an  earlier  moment 
than  the  courier  whom  General  von  York  no  doubt  has  sent  to 
the  King  of  Prussia.  Here  are  the  dispatches  which  the  aide- 
de-camp  of  the  marshal  has  brought  for  you,  and  which  he 
says  ought  immediately  to  be  read  by  your  excellency."  He 
handed  the  count  a  large  sealed  letter,  which  the  latter  eagerly 
accepted  and  at  once  opened. 

A  profound  silence  now  reigned  in  the  small  saloon.  The 
faces  of  the  boon  companions  at  the  table  had  grown  grave, 
and  all  fixed  their  eyes  with  an  anxious  and  searching  expres- 
sion upon  the  countenance  of  Count  St.  Marsan.  He  read 
the  dispatch  at  first  with  a  calm  and  indifferent  air,  but  sud- 
denly his  features  assumed  an  expression  of  astonishment — 
nay,  of  anger,  and  a  gloomy  cloud  covered  his  brow. 

"  All  right,"  he  then  said,  turning  to  the  secretary.  "  He- 
turn  to  the  legation.  I  will  follow  you  in  a  few  minutes." 
The  secretary  bowed  and  withdrew.  The  five  gentlemen  were 
again  alone. 


THE  INTERRUPTED  SUPPER.  131 

"Well, "asked  Marshal  Angereau,  "were  the  dispatches 
really  important?" 

Count  St.  Marsan  made  no  immediate  reply.  He  looked 
slowly  around  the  circle  of  his  companions,  and  fixed  his  eyes 
with  a  piercing  expression  on  the  countenance  of  Chancellor 
von  Hardeuberg.  "Yes,"  he  said,  "they  contain  highly  im- 
portant news,  and  I  wonder  if  his  excellency  the  chancellor  of 
state  has  not  yet  received  them,  for  the  dispatches  concern 
above  all  the  Prussian  army." 

"  But  I  pledge  your  excellency  my  word  of  honor  that  I  do 
not  know  what  you  refer  to,"  said  Hardenberg,  gravely.  "I 
have  received  no  courier  and  no  startling  news  from  the  Prus- 
sian army." 

"Well,  then,"  said  St.  Marsan,  bowing,  "permit  me  to 
communicate  it  to  you.  General  York,  commander  of  the 
Prussian  troops  belonging  to  the  forces  of  Marshal  Macdonald, 
has  refused  to  obey  the  marshal's  orders.  He  has  gone  even 
further  than  that,  concluding  a  treaty  with  Russia,  with  the 
enemy  of  France  and  Prussia;  and  signed  at  Tauroggen,  with 
the  Russian  General  von  Diebitsch,  a  convention  by  virtue  of 
which  he  severs  his  connection  with  the  French  army,  and, 
with  the  consent  of  Russia,  declares  that  the  Prussian  corps 
henceforth  will  be  neutral." 

"But  this  impossible,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  "he  would 
not  dare  any  thing  of  the  kind;  he  would  not  violate  in  so 
flagrant  a  manner  the  orders  given  him  by  his  king!" 

"But  he  did  so,"  said  Augereau,  "and  if  your  excellency 
should  have  any  doubts  as  to  the  truth  of  what  Count  St. 
Marsan  said,  here  is  the  autograph  letter  in  which  General 
ron  York  informs  Marshal  Macdonald  of  his  defection ;  and, 
besides,  another  letter  in  which  the  commander  of  the  cavalry, 
General  von  Massenbach,  notifies  Marshal  Macdonald  that  he 
has  acceded  to  York's  convention,  and  henceforth  will  no 
longer  obey  the  marshal's  orders.  Conformably  to  this  con- 
vention, the  Prussian  troops  have  already  left  the  positions 
assigned  them  by  Marshal  Macdonald,  and  returned  to  Prus- 
sian territory." 

"  It  is  true;  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  it,"  said  Hardenberg, 
with  a  deep  sigh,  and  handing  back  to  the  marshal  the  papers 
which  he  had  rapidly  glanced  over.  He  then  rose  from  his 
chair  and  said :  "  This  is  so  unparalleled  and  unexpected  an 
event,  that  I  am  at  the  present  moment  almost  unable  to  col- 
lect my  thoughts.  You  will  pardon  me,  therefore,  for  leav- 


132  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ing  you;  above  all,  I  have  to  inform  his  majesty,  the  king,  of 
this  important  intelligence,  and  receive  his  orders  in  regard 
to  it.  But  then  I  beg  leave  to  see  Count  St.  Marsan  at  his 
residence,  to  confer  with  him  as  to  the  measures  to  be  taken 
concerning  this  terrible  event." 

"  I  will  await  you  at  whatever  hour  of  the  night  it  may  be,' 
said  Count   St.  Marsan ;    "  I  am  now  about  to  return  to  my 
residence." 

"And  I  to  the  king!"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  taking  leave 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

THE   DEFECTION   OF   GENERAL  YORK, 

KING  FREDERICK  WILLIAM  had  just  returned  to  his  cabi- 
net after  attending  to  the  last  business,  which  he  never 
neglected  to  perform  on  any  day  of  the  year ;  that  is  to  say, 
he  had  repaired  to  the  bedrooms  of  his  children,  and  bidden 
the  little  sleepers  "good-night"  by  gently  kissing  them.  In 
former  times  he  did  this  by  the  side  of  his  wife,  with  a  happy 
heart  and  a  smiling  face;  it  had  been,  as  it  were,  the  last  seal 
both  pressed,  at  the  close  of  every  day  of  their  common  happi- 
ness, upon  the  foreheads  of  their  sleeping  children.  But  since 
Louisa  had  left  him,  to  bid  this  "  good-night  "  had  become,  as 
it  were,  a  sacred  pilgrimage  to  his  most  precious  recollections. 
When  he  passed  through  the  silent  corridors  at  night,  and 
entered  the  rooms  of  his  sons  and  daughters,  he  thought  of 
her  who  had  left  him  three  years  before,  but  whom  he  believed 
he  saw,  with  her  sweet  smile  and  loving  eyes.  He  took  pains 
to  remind  such  of  his  children  as  he  found  awake  of  their 
dear  departed  parent,  whispering  to  them,  "Remember  your 
noble  mother,  whose  eyes  behold  you."  And  on  the  lips  of 
those  asleep  he  never  failed  to  press  two  kisses — one  for  him- 
self and  the  other  for  Louisa. 

The  king  had  just  returned  to  his  cabinet,  and,  like  a 
dying  glimmer  of  twilight,  a  faint  smile  was  illuminating  his 
countenance,  which,  since  the  queen's  death,  had  grown  grave 
and  sad.  He  seated  himself  on  the  sofa  where  she  had  so 
often  sat  by  his  side,  and  cast  a  mournful  glance  upon  the 
vacant  place  beside  him.  "Alone!  Always  alone!"  he  said 
in  a  low  voice.  "  Nothing  around  me  but  intrigues,  quarrels, 


THE  DEFECTION  OF  GENERAL  YORK.      133 

aud  malice!  No  one  who  loves  me!  Alone!"  With  a  quick 
motion  he  turned  his  head  toward  the  side  of  the  wall  where 
hung  over  his  desk  the  portrait  of  Queen  Louisa,  in  her  white 
dress,  and  a  rose  on  her  bosom.  "  Where  are  you,  then, 
Louisa!"  he  exclaimed;  "why  did  you  leave  me,  though  you 
had  sworn  to  bear  joy  and  grief  with  me?  You  are  not  here 
to  share  them,  and —  Suddenly  the  king  paused  and  turned 
his  eyes  toward  the  door.  It  seemed  to  him  as  though  he 
heard  hasty  footsteps,  and  some  one  softly  rapping  at  his  door. 
Who,  at  this  unusual  hour,  could  ask  for  admittance?  Who 
could  dare  now  interrupt  his  solitude,  when  it  was  well  under- 
stood he  desired  to  be  left  alone? 

The  rapping  was  repeated,  louder  than  before,  and  a  timid, 
imploring  voice  asked,  "  Has  his  majesty  returned  to  his 
cabinet?" 

"It  is  Timm,  my  chamberlain,"  said  the  king.  "What 
can  he  want  of  me?" 

Ordering  him  in  a  loud  tone  to  walk  in,  the  door  was  im- 
mediately opened,  and  the  chamberlain  appeared  on  the 
threshold.  "Pardon  me,  sire,"  he  said,  but  his  excellency 
Chancellor  von  Hardenberg  is  in  the  anteroom,  and  urgently 
requests  your  majesty  to  grant  him  an  immediate  audience." 

"Hardenberg!"  exclaimed  the  king,  anxiously.  "What 
has  happened;  what — "  He  interrupted  himself:  "I  will 
see  the  chancellor.  Admit  him  at  once." 

The  chamberlain  withdrew.  The  king  arose  and  advanced 
several  steps  toward  the  door;  then,  as  if  ashamed  of  his  own 
impatience,  he  stopped,  while  his  face  expressed  the  agitation 
of  his  mind. 

Hardenberg  entered,  and,  closing  the  door  rapidly,  ap- 
proached the  king.  "  Your  majesty,"  he  said,  "  I  beg  pardon 
for  daring  to  disturb  you  at  so  late  an  hour;  but  the  extra- 
ordinary importance  of  the  news  I  bring  to  you  will  be  my 
excuse.  I  was  at  the  supper-table  of  Marshal  Augereau,  in 
company  with  the  French  ambassador,  Count  St.  Marsan, 
when  important  dispatches,  just  arrived  from  the  army,  were 
delivered  to  the  ambassador." 

"  A  battle  has  been  fought,  has  it  not?  Has  my  corps  been 
routed?"  asked  the  king,  breathlessly. 

"No,  your  majesty,  there  has  been  no  battle.  A  much 
more  extraordinary  event  has  taken  place,  General  von  York 
has  concluded  a  convention  with  the  Kussian  General  Die- 
bitsch,  and  signed  a  treaty  by  which  the  troops  commanded 


134  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

by  York  separate  from  the  French,  and  engage  to  remain 
neutral  for  two  months." 

"  That  is  not  true!"  exclaimed  the  king.  "A  mere  rumor! 
— an  impossibility!" 

"  Your  majesty,  it  is  but  too  true.  I  myself  have  read  the 
autograph  letters  in  which  Generals  York  and  Massenbach 
inform  Marshal  Macdonald  of  their  resolution  not  to  obey  his 
orders  longer." 

The  king  pressed  his  hands  against  his  temple,  and  ex- 
claimed, in  a  tremulous  voice:  "  Oh,  this  is  enough  to  throw 
one  into  a  state  of  apoplexy !  *  It  is  unheard  of,  contrary  to 
military  law,  contrary  to  all  international  obligations!  It  is 
open  rebellion,  revolutionary  resistance  to  his  king  and  com- 
mander-in-chief !  A  general  who  dares  commit  so  terrible  a 
crime  must  be  tried  by  court-martial,  and  sentence  of  death 
passed  upon  him.  I  cannot  pardon  him!" 

"Your  majesty,"  said  Hardenberg,  in  dismay,  "it  is  possi- 
ble that  General  York  may  have  committed  a  crime  against 
discipline,  but,  nevertheless,  it  is  an  heroic  and  magnanimous 
deed,  and  no  Prussian  court-martial  will  dare  inflict  punish- 
ment on  him.  We  do  not  yet  know  the  urgent  circumstances 
obliging  the  general  to  make  this  decision ;  we  do  not  yet 
know  from  what  dangers  he  may  have  preserved  the  Prussian 
army  by  his  quick  and  resolute  step." 

"  But  we  know  that  he  has  committed  an  unparalleled 
crime  against  discipline!" 

"  A  crime  by  which  he  may  perhaps  have  saved  Prussia  from 
utter  destruction!  The  general  will  be  able  to  justify  his 
deed." 

"  But  it  seems  that  he  does  not  even  deem  it  necessary  to 
inform  me  of  his  proceedings,"  exclaimed  the  king,  indig- 
nantly. "  He  appears  to  have  made  himself  dictator,  and  as 
he  does  not  recognize  my  military  laws,  he  refuses  also  to 
acknowledge  me  as  commander-in-chief,  to  whom  he  owes 
obedience." 

"Your  majesty,  I  believe  there  is  his  justification  already," 
said  Hardenberg,  pointing  at  Timm  the  chamberlain,  who 
reentered  the  room  at  this  moment. 

"Well,  what  is  it,  Timm?"  asked  the  king,  hastily. 

"  Your  majesty,  a  courier  from  General  von  York  has  just 
arrived;  he  is  bearer  of  dispatches,  which  he  is  to  deliver  to 
your  majesty  in  person." 

*The  king's  own  words.— Vide  Droysen's  "  Life  of  York,"  vol.  ii. ,  p.  5(5. 


THE  DEFECTION    OF  GENERAL  YORK.  135 

""Who  is  the  courier?"  asked  the  king. 

"The  general's  aide-de-camp,  Major  Thile." 

"  Let  him  come  in,"  said  the  king. 

The  jingle  of  spurs,  arid  heavy,  weary  footsteps  were  heard 
approaching;  Major  von  Thile  entered.  His  uniform  was 
covered  with  dust  and  mud;  his  hair  hung  in  wet  locks  upon 
his  forehead,  and  there  shone  in  his  mustache  the  snow-flakes 
with  which  the  stormy  night  had  adorned  it. 

"Did  you  arrive  now?"  asked  the  king,  eying  him  closely. 

"  I  did,  your  majesty,  and,  agreeably  to  the  orders  of  Gen- 
eral von  York,  have  had  myself  driven  directly  to  the  royal 
palace,  for  the  general  deemed  it  of  the  highest  importance 
that  I  should  deliver  my  dispatches  as  soon  as  possible  to  your 
majesty.  Hence  I  rode  night  and  day,  and,  my  horse  break- 
ing down  to-day,  I  was  obliged  to  take  a  carriage." 

"  But  the  French  courier  reached  Berlin  earlier  than  you 
did,"  said  the  king,  gruffly.  "  How  does  that  happen?  Have 
the  French  quicker  horses  or  more  devoted  soldiers?" 

"No,  your  majesty,  their  road  to  Berlin  was  shorter  than 
mine,  that  is  all.  As  I  could  not  ride  across  the  French 
camp,  I  had  to  take  a  roundabout  road  by  way  of  Gumbinnen. 
This  caused  a  delay  of  four  hours." 

"Give  me  your  dispatches,"  said  the  king. 

Major  Thile  handed  him  a  large  sealed  paper.  The  king 
extended  his  hand  to  take  it,  but  suddenly  withdrew  it  again 
and  started  back. 

"No,"  he  said,  "  it  does  not  behoove  a  king  to  receive  let- 
ters from  a  traitorous  subject — a  rebellious  soldier.  Take 
this  dispatch,  M.  Chancellor;  open  and  read  it  to  me.  Give 
it  to  his  excellency." 

Major  Thile  handed  Hardenberg  the  letter,  and,  while  he 
was  doing  so,  the  eyes  of  the  two  men  met.  The  major's  eyes 
expressed  an  anxious  question,  those  of  Hardenberg  made  him 
a  sad  and  painful  reply,  and  both  were  unable  to  restrain  a  sigh. 

"Read, "said  the  king,  stepping  into  the  window-niche, 
folding  his  hands  on  his  breast,  and  placing  himself  so  that 
the  curtains  shaded  his  face,  and  screened  it  from  the  two 
gentlemen. 

Hardenberg  unfolded  the  paper  and  read  as  follows: 

"To  his  Majesty  the  King: — TAUKOGGEN,  December  30, 
1812. — Placed  in  a  very  unfavorable  position  by  setting  out  at 
a  later  day  than  the  marshal  did,  and  being  ordered  to  march 
from  Mitau  to  Tilsit,  for  th."  sole  purpose  of  covering  the  re- 


136  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

treat  of  the  seventh  division,  I  have  been  compelled,  on 
account  of  impassable  roads,  and  very  severe  weather,  to  con- 
clude with  the  Russian  commander,  Major-General  Diebitsch, 
the  enclosed  convention,  which  I  beg  leave  to  lay  before  your 
majesty.  Firmly  convinced  that  a  continuation  of  the  march 
would  have  unavoidably  brought  about  the  dissolution  of  the 
whole  corps,  and  the  loss  of  its  entire  artillery  and  baggage,  as 
was  the  case  of  the  retreat  of  the  grand  army,  I  believe  it  was 
incumbent  upon  me,  as  your  majesty's  faithful  subject,  to  re- 
gard your  interest,  and  no  longer  that  of  your  ally,  for  whom 
our  auxiliary  corps  would  only  have  been  sacrificed  without 
being  able  to  afford  him  any  real  assistance  in  the  desperate 
predicament  in  which  he  was  placed.  The  convention  im- 
poses no  obligations  whatever  upon  your  majesty,  but  it  pre- 
serves to  you  a  corps  that  gives  value  to  the  old  alliance,  or  a 
new  one,  if  such  should  be  concluded,  and  prevents  your 
majesty  from  being  at  the  mercy  of  an  ally  at  whose  hands 
you  would  have  to  receive  as  a  gift  the  preservation  or  restora- 
tion of  your  states.  I  would  willingly  lay  my  head  at  the  feet 
of  your  majesty  if  I  have  erred ;  I  would  die  with  the  joyous 
conviction  of  having  at  least  committed  no  act  contrary  to  my 
duty  as  a  faithful  subject  and  a  true  Prussian.  Now  or  never 
is  the  time  for  your  majesty  to  extricate  yourself  from  the 
thraldom  of  an  ally  whose  intentions  in  regard  to  Prussia  are 
veiled  in  impenetrable  darkness,  and  justify  the  most  serious 
alarm.  That  consideration  has  guided  me.  God  grant  it 
may  be  for  the  salvation  of  the  country! — YORK."  * 

A  pause  ensued.  The  king  still  stood  with  folded  arms  in 
the  window-niche,  his  face  shaded  by  the  curtains,  and  in^ 
accessible  to  the  anxious  and  searching  glances  of  Harden- 
berg  and  the  major. 

"  Does  your  majesty  now  command  me  to  read  the  conven- 
tion?" asked  the  minister. 

"  No,"  said  the  king,  sternly,  "  what  do  I  care  for  a  conven- 
tion drawn  up  by  a  traitor?  I  would  not  be  at  liberty  to 
accept  it  even  though  it  should  secure  me  new  provinces. — 
Major  Thile!" 

"Your  majesty!"  said  the  major,  advancing  a  few  steps 
with  stiff,  military  bearing. 

"  Were  you  present  at  the  negotiations  preceding  this  con- 
vention? Are  you  familiar  with  the  circumstances  that  led 
to  it?" 

*Droysen'8  "Life  of  York,"  vol.  i.,  p.  493. 


THE  DEFECTION  OF  GENERAL  YORK.  137 

"Yes,  your  majesty;  General  von  York  deigned  to  repose 
implicit  confidence  in  me;  I  am  perfectly  familiar  with  the 
course  of  the  negotiations,  and  was  present  when  the  conven- 
tion was  concluded.  I  observed  the  inward  struggles  of  the 
general ;  I  witnessed  the  terrible  conflict  that  took  place  in  his 
breast  between  his  duty  as  a  soldier  and  his  conscience  as  a 
faithful  subject  of  your  majesty.  As  a  soldier  he  was  con- 
scious of  the  crime  he  was  about  to  commit  against  discipline; 
as  a  faithful  subject,  he  felt  that  he  ought  to  commit  it  if  he 
wished  to  avoid  plunging  a  corps  of  ten  thousand  men,  be- 
longing to  your  majesty  alone,  into  utter  and  irretrievable 
destruction." 

"Did  the  negotiations  last  a  long  time?  Speak!  I  want 
to  know  all;  but,  understand  me  well,  the  truth.  No  pro- 
testations! Speak  now!" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty,  the  negotiations  had  been  going  on  for 
some  time;  in  fact,  ever  since  the  so-called  'grand  army' 
made  its  appearance  in  miserable,  ragged,  and  starving  squads 
— mere  crowds  of  woe-begone,  famished  beggars — while  the 
splendid  and  powerful  Eussian  forces  were  constantly  ap- 
proaching closer  to  our  positions  and  the  Prussian  frontier. 
The  Russian  generals,  Prince  Wittgenstein  and  General  Die- 
bitsch,  were  sending  one  messenger  after  another  to  York  and 
informing  him  of  the  dangers  of  his  position,  surrounded  on 
all  sides  by  Russian  troops.  They  advised  him  therefore  to 
yield,  unless  he  wished  needlessly  to  expose  the  soldiers  of 
your  majesty  to  inevitable  destruction.  They  urged  him,  for 
the  salvation  of  Prussia,  to  grasp  the  saving  hand  that  was 
being  held  out  to  him,  and  compel  Prussia  to  forsake  an 
utterly  ruined  ally,  who,  in  order  to  secure  a  brief  respite, 
would  assuredly  not  hesitate  to  sacrifice  for  his  own  benefit 
Prussia's  last  strength  and  resources.  But  the  general  was 
still  unable  to  make  up  his  mind  to  take  a  step  which  might 
be  disavowed  by  your  majesty.  In  the  mean  time,  however, 
the  news  came  that  Memel  had  been  taken  and  occupied  by 
the  Russians,  and  Prince  Wittgenstein  simultaneously  sent 
word  that  he  had  placed  a  corps  of  fifty  thousand  men  on  the 
banks  of  the  Niemen,  and  was  ready  to  pursue  the  French 
army,  which  would  now  seek  safety  in  Prussia.  Prince  Witt- 
genstein, therefore,  demanded  categorically  whether  York 
would  leave  the  French  army,  or  whether  he  was  to  be  con- 
sidered a  part  of  it,  and  an  enemy  of  Russia." 

"And  what  did  York  reply?"  asked  the  king,  hastily. 
10 


138  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Your  majesty,  he  was  silent.  Even  we,  his  confidants, 
did  not  know  what  decision  he  ha^  come  to.  Suddenly  a 
messenger  from  Marshal  Macdonald,  who  had  succeeded  in 
getting  into  our  lines,  appeared  at  York's  headquarters.  Ha 
informed  the  general  that  the  French  troops  of  the  marshal 
were  near  Piktupohnen,  and  brought  orders  that  York  should 
march  to  that  place,  where  Macdonald  would  await  him,  and 
that  the  French  and  Prussian  forces  should  then  be  united. 
Henceforth  further  hesitation  was  out  of  the  question.  The 
messengers,  both  of  the  Eussian  General  Diebitsch  and  the 
French  Marshal  Macdonald,  were  at  his  headquarters,  and  in- 
sisted that  he  should  make  up  his  mind  as  to  the  course  to  be 
pursued  by  his  corps.  York  either  had  to  set  out  at  once  and 
force  a  passage  through  the  Russian  lines,  in  order  to  join 
the  French  marshal  at  Piktupohnen,  or  to  refuse  to  obey  the 
marshal's  orders,  and,  instead  of  marching  upon  Piktupoh- 
nen, join  the  Russians,  and  proceed  to  Prussia.  But  General 
York  had  not  yet  made  up  his  mind.  Toward  nightfall  an- 
other messenger  from  General  Diebitsch  arrived  at  his  head- 
quarters. This  messenger  was  Lieutenant-Colonel  Clausewitz, 
whom  Diebitsch  had  sent  to  insist  again  on  a  categorical 
reply.  York  received  him  sullenly,  and  said  to  him:  'Keep 
aloof  from  me.  I  do  not  wish  to  have  any  thing  to  do  with 
you.  Your  accursed  Cossacks  have  allowed  a  messenger  from 
Macdonald  to  pass  through  your  lines,  and  he  has  brought  me 
orders  to  march  upon  Piktupohnen,  and  there  join  him.  All 
doubts  are  at  an  end.  Your  troops  do  not  arrive;  you  are  too 
weak ;  I  decline  continuing  negotiations  which  would  cost  me 
my  head.'  "  * 

"Did  the  general  really  say  so?"  asked  the  king,  quickly. 
"Do  you  tell  me  the  truth?" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty,  it  is  the  whole  truth.  GeneralYork 
said  so;  I  was  present  when  Clausewitz  came  to  him.  I 
remained  with  Colonel  Roden  in  the  room  when  Clausewitz, 
at  last,  at  his  urgent  request,  received  from  General  York  per- 
mission to  deliver  to  him  at  least  the  letters  he  had  brought 
with  him  from  Generals  d'Anvray  and  Diebitsch.  The  gen- 
eral read  them ;  he  then  fixed  his  piercing  eyes  on  Clausewitz, 
and  said :  '  Clausewitz,  you  are  a  Prussian !  Do  you  believe 
that  General  d'Anvray's  letter  is  sincere,  and  that  Wittgen- 
stein's troops  will  be  on  the  Niemen  on  the  31st  of  December? 
Can  you  give  me  your  word  of  honor  upon  it?'  Lieutenant- 

*  York's  owq  words.— Vide  Droysen,  vol.  i.,  p.  486. 


THE  DEFECTION  OF  GENERAL  YORK.      139 

Colonel  Clausewitz  gave  him  his  word  of  honor.  York  was 
silent,  and  repeatedly  paced  the  room,  absorbed  in  his  reflec- 
tions ;  he  then  gave  Clausewitz  his  hand,  and  said  in  a  firm 
voice,  and  with  a  sublime  air,  'You  have  me!  Tell  General 
Diebitsch  that  we  will  hold  an  interview  in  the  morning  at 
the  mill  of  Poscherun,  and  that  I  have  made  up  my  mind  to 
forsake  the  French  and  their  cause.  I  will  not  go  to  Piktu- 
pohnen!'  "When  he  said  so,  we  who  witnessed  that  great  mo- 
ment were  no  longer  able  to  restrain  our  transports.  Forgetful 
alike  of  etiquette  and  discipline,  Roden,  Clausewitz,  and  my- 
self, rushed  up  to  the  general  to  embrace  him,  thanking  him 
with  tearful  eyes,  and  telling  him  that  he  had  fulfilled  the 
most  ardent  wishes  of  the  whole  corps,  and  that  all  Prussian 
officers  would  receive  with  heart-felt  rejoicings  the  news  that 
we  were  to  be  delivered  from  the  French  alliance.  But  York 
gazed  on  us  with  grave,  gloomy  eyes,  and  said,  with  a  faint 
smile:  'It  is  all  very  well  for  you,  young  men,  to  talk  in  this 
way.  But  the  head  of  your  old  commander  is  tottering  on 
his  shoulders. '  *  In  the  morning  he  summoned  all  the  officers 
of  his  corps  to  his  headquarters,  and  informed  them  in  an 
affecting  speech  of  the  decision  he  had  come  to." 

"  What  did  he  say?"  asked  the  king.  "  Can  you  repeat  his 
words  to  me?" 

"I  can,  your  majesty;  for,  after  returning  to  my  room,  I 
wrote  down  the  speech  I  had  heard  in  my  memorandum-book, 
and  I  believe  every  word  of  it  was  engraven  in  my  memory." 

"  Have  you  your  memorandum-book  here?" 

"I  have,  your  majesty." 

"Read!" 

Major  Thile  drew  his  memorandum-book  from  his  breast- 
pocket, and  read  as  follows :  " '  Gentlemen,  the  French  army 
has  been  annihilated  by  Heaven's  avenging  hand;  the  time 
has  come  for  us  to  recover  our  independence  by  uniting  with 
the  Russian  army.  Let  those  who  share  my  sentiments,  and 
are  ready  to  sacrifice  their  lives  for  the  fatherland  and  for 
liberty,  follow  me;  those  who  are  unwilling  to  do  so  may  re- 
main with  the  French.  Let  the  issue  of  our  cause  be  what- 
ever it  may,  I  shall  always  esteem  and  honor  even  those  who 
do  not  share  my  sentiments,  and  who  prefer  to  remain.  If 
we  succeed,  the  king  may,  perhaps,  pardon  me  for  what  I 
have  done ;  if  we  are  unsuccessful,  then  I  must  lose  my  head. 
In  that  case,  I  pray  my  friends  to  take  care  of  my  wife  and 

*This  whole  scene  is  historical.— Vide  Droysen,  vol.  i.,  p.  487. 


140  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

children.'  Your  majesty,"  said  Major  Thile,  closing  his 
memorandum-book;  "that  was  the  whole  speech." 

"And  what  did  the  officers  reply  to  it?"  asked  the  king. 
"Mind!  the  truth!— I  want  to  know  the  truth!" 

"And  I  am  courageous  enough  to  tell  you  the  truth, 
although  I  am  afraid  that  your  majesty  will  be  displeased. 
All  the  officers  received  the  general's  speech  with  unbounded 
transports  and  with  tears  of  joy.  They  shook  hands,  they 
embraced,  and  greeted  each  other,  as  if  they  had  suddenly  re- 
turned from  a  foreign  country  to  their  beloved  fatherland ;  as 
if  their  tongues  had  suddenly  been  loosened,  and  liberty  to 
use  the  language  of  their  country  had  been  restored  to  them. 
No  one  thought  of  remaining  with  the  French ;  every  one  was 
animated  with  enthusiasm  at  the  thought  that  he  should  at 
length  risk  his  life  for  the  cause  of  his  country  and  his  king; 
every  one  had  in  his  heart,  and  on  his  lips,  a  fervent  prayer 
for  the  new  sacred  cause  which  he  was  to  serve  again,  and  an 
imprecation  for  that  which  he  had  been  obliged  to  serve. 
When  the  general  exclaimed,  in  a  ringing  voice,  'Let  us  then, 
with  the  assistance  of  Providence,  enter  upon  and  achieve  the 
task  of  liberation,' all  shouted  'Amen!  We  will  die  rather 
than  serve  the  enemy  longer !'  Your  majesty,  I  have  now  told 
you  nothing  but  the  whole  truth.  If  the  general  deserves 
punishment,  all  the  officers  of  his  corps  deserve  it.  He  called 
upon  us  to  part  with  him  if  we  did  not  share  his  convictions. 
But  none  of  us  did  so,  for  his  convictions  were  ours,  and  we 
are  ready  to  share  his  punishment,  too,  if  your  majesty  should 
punish  York  for  what  he  did,  as  a  noble  and  devoted  patriot!" 

"Your  remarks  are  impertinent,  major,"  said  the  king, 
sternly.  "  I  will  not  allow  myself  to  be  dazzled  by  your 
tirades.  Go!  You  need  repose.  Report  to  me  early  in  the 
morning.  You  will  then  return  with  dispatches  to  the  army. 
Good-by!" 


CHAPTER    XV. 

THE   WARNING. 

"WELL,  M.  Chancellor,"  said  the  king,  when  Thile  had 
left  the  room,  "  tell  me  your  opinion — the  best  way  by  which 
we  may  counteract  this  senseless  and  rash  step,  and  succeed 
in  preserving  our  country  from  the  disastrous  consequences. " 


THE  WARNING.  141 

"  Your  majesty,  then,  is  not  willing  to  approve  of  the  bold 
act  York  has  taken?"  asked  Hardenberg. 

"  I  hope  you  did  not  indulge  for  a  moment  in  such  a  belief," 
exclaimed  the  king.  "  York  was  perhaps  justified  in  preserv- 
ing his  troops  from  being  needlessly  sacrificed ;  but  he  should 
have  based  his  conduct  solely  on  this  idea,  and  from  it  have 
explained  his  action.  Instead  of  doing  so,  he  justifies  it  by 
political  motives,  and  thereby  compromises  and  endangers  my 
own  position.  Now,  I  am  myself  entirely  at  the  mercy  of 
France,  and  utterly  destitute  of  means  to  brave  the  anger  of 
Napoleon."  * 

"No,"  said  Hardenberg,  "your  majesty  is  not  entirely  at 
the  mercy  of  France,  and  Napoleon's  anger  must  no  longer  be 
allowed  to  terrify  Prussia.  You  have  only  to  raise  your  voice 
and  call  out  your  faithful  subjects,  and  the  whole  nation  will 
rise  as  one  man ;  thousands  will  rally  round  their  king,  and 
you  will  enter  with  an  invincible  army  upon  the  holy  war  of 
liberation.  It  will  not  be  with  a  visible  army  only  that  you 
will  take  the  field — an  invisible  army  will  accompany  you — 
the  army  of  minds  and  hearts,  the  grand  army  whose  chief- 
tain is  public  opinion,  whose  soldier  is  every  beggar  on  the 
street,  whose  cannon  is  every  word  that  is  uttered,  every  love- 
greeting  and  every  blessing.  Oh,  your  majesty,  this  'grand 
army '  will  pave  the  way  for  you,  and  will  enlist  everywhere 
new  recruits,  fill  your  military  chests,  clothe  and  feed  your 
soldiers,  and,  under  your  colors,  fight  the  enemy  whom  all 
Germany — all  Europe  hates  intensely,  and  whose  yoke  every 
one  feels  weighing  upon  his  neck.  Oh,  let  me  assure  your 
majesty  that  it  is  only  for  you  to  be  willing,  and  all  Prussia 
will  rally  round  you  for  the  war  of  liberation!" 

"  But  I  must  not  be  willing,"  said  the  king;  "  it  is  contrary 
to  my  honor  and  my  conscience.  I  pledged  my  word  to  the 
Emperor  Napoleon;  I  am  his  ally;  I  am  deeply  impressed 
with  the  sanctity  of  my  existing  treaties  with  France,  and 
feel,  as  every  man  of  honor  would,  that  the  obligation  to 
maintain  them  inviolate  is  only  rendered  the  more  sacred  by 
the  disasters  which  have  overwhelmed  the  imperial  armies. 
Besides,  you  look  at  things  in  a  light  by  far  too  partial  and 
rose-colored.  Do  not  confound  your  enthusiastic  hopes  with 
stern  reality.  The  'grand  army  of  public  opinion,'  to  which 
you  refer,  is  an  ally  which  cannot  be  depended  upon — it  is 
fickle,  turning  with  every  wind — it  is  an  ally  prodigal  of 

*The  king's  words.— Vide  Droysen,  vol.  i. ,  p.  488. 


142  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

words,  but  not  of  deeds.  If  my  soldiers  were  to  be  clothed 
and  fed  by  public  opinion,  they  would  likely  go  naked  and  die 
of  hunger.  If  my  military  chests  wait  for  public  opinion  to 
fill  them,  they  would  remain  empty.  Public  opinion,  by  the 
way,  has  always  been  on  my  side  and  against  Napoleon;  it 
has,  for  six  years  past,  disapproved — nay,  indignantly  con- 
demned his  course  toward  Prussia,  and  still  it  has  permitted 
Napoleon  to  halve  my  states ;  to  take  much  more  than  he  waa 
entitled  to  by  the  treaty  of  Tilsit ;  to  leave  his  troops  in  my 
states,  in  spite  of  the  express  stipulations  of  the  treaties;  to 
impose  contributions  on  Prussia  and  extort  their  payment. 
Public  opinion  deplored  it  as  a  terrible  calamity  that  I  should 
be,  as  it  were,  a  prisoner  here  in  the  capital  of  my  own  mon- 
archy, and  at  the  palace  of  my  ancestors,  and  live  under  the 
cannon  of  Spandau,  a  fortress  unlawfully  occupied  by  the 
French.  Public  opinion,  I  say,  deplored  my  fate,  but  it  did 
not  come  to  my  assistance ;  it  did  not  preserve  me  from  the 
humiliations  which,  at  Dresden,  I  had  to  endure,  not  only  at 
the  hands  of  Napoleon,  but  of  all  the  German  princes.  Do 
not,  therefore,  allude  again  to  your  'grand  army  of  public 
opinion;'  I  despise  it,  and  know  its  fickle  and  faithless  char- 
acter. By  virtue  of  the  existing  treaties,  I  made  my  troops 
participate  in  Napoleon's  campaign  against  Eussia.  More 
than  one-half  of  my  soldiers  have  been  devoured  by  wolves  on 
the  fields  of  Eussia;  the  other  half  are  now  in  open  insurrec- 
tion. And  these  are  the  troops  with  whom  I  am  to  conquer ! 
— conquer  that  powerful  France  which  is  able  to  call  up  fresh 
armies  as  from  the  ground,  and  into  the  treasury  of  which  her 
unlimited  resources  are  pouring  millions!  No,  no;  I  will  not 
plunge  into  so  hazardous  an  enterprise.  I  will  not,  for  the 
sake  of  a  chimera,  risk  my  last  provinces,  the  inheritance  of 
my  children ;  I  could  joyously  give  up  my  life  in  order  to 
bring  about  a  change  of  our  present  deplorable  situation,  but 
I  am  not  at  liberty  to  endanger  my  crown — the  crown  of  my 
successor.  Prussia  must  not  be  blotted  from  the  map  of 
nations ;  she  shall  not  be  swallowed  by  France,  and  I  am  there- 
fore obliged  patiently  to  bear  the  burden  of  these  times  and 
submit  to  circumstances.  Hence,  I  am  not  at  liberty  to  par- 
don General  York's  crime,  but  must  punish  him  for  his  con- 
duct in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  war.  I  must  give  satis- 
faction to  the  Emperor  of  France  for  the  unheard-of  conduct 
of  my  general,  and  he  shall  have  it !  General  von  York  shall 
be  superseded  in  his  command,  cashiered,  and  put  on  his  trial 


THE  WARNING.  143 

before  a  military  commission.  General  Kleist  will  take  com- 
mand of  the  troops  in  his  place." 

"  And  will  your  majesty  cashier  likewise  all  the  officers  who 
received  the  announcement  of  the  bold  resolution  of  their  gen- 
eral with  enthusiastic  cheers?"  asked  Hardenberg.  "  Will 
your  majesty  likewise  put  on  trial  the  spirit  of  resistance  per- 
vading the  whole  Prussian  corps?  I  beseech  you  again,  in  the 
name  of  your  army  and  your  people — in  the  name  of  the  mag- 
nanimous queen  whose  inspiring  eyes  are  gazing  upon  us  from 
yonder  portrait — take  a  bold  and  sublime  stand !  Eisk  every 
thing  in  order  to  win  everything!  Approve  York's  step, 
place  yourself  at  the  head  of  the  army,  call  upon  the  Prussians 
— the  Germans — to  rally  round  your  flag!  Oh,  your  majesty, 
believe  me,  Germany  is  only  waiting  for  your  war-cry.  Every 
thing  is  prepared,  all  are  armed — all  weapons,  all  hands  are 
ready — all  eyes  are  fixed  upon  your  majesty!  Oh,  do  not  hesi- 
tate longer ;  make  our  night  end,  and  the  new  day  commence. 
Declare  war  against  France — leave  her  to  her  destiny!" 

The  king  walked  with  rapid  steps  and  in  visible  agitation ; 
and,  whenever  he  passed  the  queen's  portrait,  he  raised  his 
eyes  toward  it  with  an  anxious  expression.  Standing  in  front 
of  Hardenberg,  and  laying  his  hand  on  his  shoulder,  he  looked 
gravely  into  his  pale,  quivering  face.  "  Hardenberg,"  he  said 
at  last,  in  an  undertone,  "  I  cannot  allow  General  York  to  re- 
main unpunished ;  I  am  not  at  liberty  to  approve  his  course, 
even — well,  yes,  even  though  I  should  wish  to  do  so.  As 
commander-in-chief  of  my  army  it  is  above  all  incumbent  on 
me  to  maintain  discipline.  York  acted  without  regard  to  his 
instructions,  and  without  having  received  any  orders  from 
me  to  enter  into  so  dangerous  a  course,  and  I  ought  not  after- 
ward to  approve  what  one  of  my  genSrals  has  done  in  so  reck- 
less and  arbitrary  a  manner.  That  would  be  rendering 
obedience  dependent  on  the  whims  and  inclinations  of  every 
officer  of  my  army.  Unconditional  obedience,  entire  subor- 
dination of  the  individual  will — that  is  the  bond  which  keeps 
armies  together,  and  I  cannot  loosen  it.  Where  sacred  and 
necessary  principles  are  at  stake,  I  must  not  listen  to  the  voice 
of  my  heart!" 

"  But  still  you  ought  to  listen  to  the  voice  of  prudence, 
your  majesty,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  emphatically.  "  Now, 
prudence  renders  it  necessary  for  you  to  fight  at  this  juncture 
against  the  perfidious  enemy,  who  never  fulfilled  his  treaties, 
never  kept  his  word,  and  is  even  now  plotting  mischief." 


144  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"What  do  you  mean?"  asked  the  king,  hastily. 

"  I  mean  that  your  majesty  is  every  day  in  danger  of  being 
arrested  at  the  slightest  symptom  that  may  appear  suspicious 
to  the  French  gentlemen,  and  of  being  secretly  conveyed  to 
France.  I  mean  that  the  French  are  anxious  that  you  should 
give  them  such  a  pretext,  so  that  they  might  charge  you  with 
secret  machinations,  send  you  to  France,  and  appropriate  the 
whole  of  Prussia.  Little  King  Jerome  is  tired  of  his  impro- 
vised kingdom  of  Westphalia.  He  longs  for  a  more  exalted 
throne,  the  existence  of  which  has  already  been  consecrated  by 
centuries,  and  for  a  crown  which  need  not,  like  his  present 
one,  be  specially  created  for  him.  Napoleon  has  promised  his 
brother  the  crown  and  throne  of  Prussia  in  case  your  majesty 
should  give  him  the  slightest  ground  for  complaint.  He  has 
therefore  here  in  Berlin  a  host  of  spies  charged  with  watching 
every  word,  movement,  and  step  of  your  majesty.  Oh,  be- 
lieve me,  you  are  at  all  hours  in  danger  of  seizure  and  secret 
removal.  I  am  familiar  with  the  whole  plot;  by  means  of 
bribery,  dissimulation,  and  cunning,  I  have  wormed  myself 
into  the  confidence  of,  and  gained  over  to  my  side,  some  of 
these  spies.  They  have  informed  me  that  every  day,  shortly 
before  nightfall,  a  closed  carriage  drives  up  to  the  royal  pal- 
ace, and  waits  there  all  the  night  long;  that,  at  a  short  dis- 
tance from  it,  soldiers  are  posted  in  isolated  groups  behind 
the  trees,  on  the  opera  place,  and  the  corners  of  the  streets 
intersecting  the  Linden ;  that  the  royal  palace  is  surrounded 
constantly  by  a  number  of  agents  of  the  French  police,  and 
that  some  of  these  men  always  find  means  to  slip  into  the 
palace,  where  they  conceal  themselves  in  dark  corners  and  in 
the  garden,  or  the  yard,  in  order  to  watch  every  movement  of 
your  majesty.  What  should  be  the  object  of  all  these  pro- 
ceedings, but,  on  the  first  occasion,  at  the  slightest  symptom 
of  your  defection,  to  seize  the  sacred  person  of  your  majesty, 
to  carry  into  effect  Jerome's  ambitious  schemes,  and  transform 
the  theatre  king  into  a  real  king?" 

Frederick  William's  face  grew  pale  and  gloomy ;  he  com- 
pressed his  lips  as  he  used  to  do  when  any  thing  displeasing 
was  communicated  to  him.  "  You  have  told  me  one  of  the 
absurd  stories  with  which  nurses  try  to  frighten  their  chil- 
dren," he  said,  harshly.  "  But  I  do  not  believe  it,  nor  shall  I 
allow  myself  to  be  frightened  and  take  imprudent  steps.  No 
one  will  dare  attack  or  arrest  me.  I  am  the  faithful  ally  of 
France,  and  have  proved  by  my  actions  that  I  am  animated 


THE   WARNING.  145 

with  honest  intentions  toward  her,  and  stand  sincerely  by  the 
alliance  which  I  have  pledged  my  word  to  maintain." 

"  But  suppose  France  should  look  upon  this  defection  of 
General  York  as  brought  about  by  the  secret  orders  of  your 
majesty?  Suppose  Napoleon,  in  his  incessant  distrust,  and 
Jerome,  in  his  ardent  desire  for  the  possession  of  Prussia, 
should,  notwithstanding  all  protestations  of  your  majesty  to 
the  contrary,  believe  in  an  understanding  between  York  and 
his  king,  and  therein  find  a  welcome  pretext  for  carrying  into 
effect  their  infamous  schemes,  seizing  your  majesty,  and  an- 
nihilating Prussia?" 

"  I  shall  give  them  such  convincing  proofs  of  my  sentiments 
that  it  will  be  impossible  for  them  to  believe  in  an  under- 
standing between  myself  and  York,"  exclaimed  the  king. 
"Enough!  I  adhere  to  my  resolution.  York  must  be  re- 
moved from  his  command,  and  General  Kleist  will  be  his 
successor.  I  shall,  besides,  address  an  autograph  letter  to 
Murat,  the  emperor's  lieutenant  at  the  head  of  the  army,  and 
express  to  him  my  profound  indignation  at  what  has  occurred, 
and  inform  him  of  the  penalty  which  I  am  about  to  inflict 
on  York." 

"Very  well,"  said  Hardenberg,  sighing,  "if  your  majesty 
so  resolves,  it  must  be  done ;  but  it  should  be  done  in  haste — 
this  very  hour.  Count  St.  Marsan  is  waiting  for  me  at  his 
residence,  to  learn  from  me  the  decisions  of  your  majesty  be- 
fore sending  off  his  couriers  to  the  Emperor  Napoleon.  It 
will  be  necessary  for  us  to  lay  before  him  the  letter  which  your 
majesty  intends  to  write  to  the  King  of  Naples,  as  well  as  the 
formal  order  in  regard  to  the  removal  of  General  York.  You 
ought  also  at  once  to  name  the  courier  who  is  to  convey  your 
majesty's  orders  and  letters  to  the  two  camps  in  Old  Prussia." 

"  You  "are  right;  all  this  must  be  done  immediately,"  said 
the  king,  seizing  his  silver  bell  and  ringing.  The  door 
opened,  and  Timm  the  chamberlain  entered.  "  Go  to  my 
aide-de-camp,  Major  Natzmer,"  said  the  king  to  him.  "In- 
form him  that  he  is  to  set  out  immediately  on  a  journey,  and 
should,  therefore,  quickly  prepare.  In  four  hours  every  thing 
must  be  done,  and  Major  Natzmer  must  then  be  in  my  ante- 
room. Go  yourself  to  him,  Timm,  and  inform  him  of  my 
orders.  This  one  courier  will  be  sufficient,"  said  the  king, 
turning  again  to  Hardenberg,  after  Timm  had  left  the  room. 
"  Natzmer  will  first  repair  to  the  headquarters  of  the  King  of 
Naples,  deliver  my  letter  to  him,  show  him  the  orders  in- 


H6  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

tended  for  Kleist  and  York,  and  then  go  to  the  Russian  camp 
in  order  to  deliver  these  orders  to  my  generals." 

"  Will  your  majesty  not  write  also  a  letter  to  the  Emperor 
Alexander,  begging  him  to  spare  your  troops,  whom  Wittgen- 
stein henceforth  will  consider  enemies,  and  to  address  a  word 
of  consolation  and  encouragement  to  the  emperor,  whose 
magnanimous  heart  will  bitterly  feel  this  new  disappoint- 
ment?" 

"Very  well,"  said  the  king,  after  a  brief  reflection,  "I  will 
write  such  a  letter  to  Alexander,  and  Natzmer  shall  himself 
take  it  after  previously  seeing  Murat,  Wittgenstein,  and 
York." 

An  hour  afterward  the  king  wrote  his  letters,  and  Harden- 
berg  drew  up  the  decree  removing  York  from  the  command 
of  the  army.  The  chancellor  of  state  then  left  the  king's 
cabinet  to  repair  to  the  residence  of  the  French  ambassador, 
and  inform  him  of  the  resolutions  of  his  majesty.  The  king 
looked  after  him  long  and  musingly,  and,  folding  his  hands 
behind  him,  paced  his  room.  A  profound  silence  reigned 
around  him;  the  storm  of  the  cold  January  night  swept  dense 
masses  of  snow  against  the  windows,  making  them  rattle  as  if 
spectral  hands  were  tapping  at  the  panes;  the  wax-tapers  on 
the  silver  candelabra,  standing  on  the  king's  desk,  had  burned 
low,  and  their  flickering  light  flashed  on  the  noble  portrait  of 
the  queen.  The  king  noticed  the  fitfully  illuminated  face 
gazing  upon  him,  as  it  were,  with  a  quick  and  repeated  greet- 
ing; he  could  not  help  gently  nodding,  as  if  to  return  the 
salutation,  and  then  approached  the  portrait  with  slow  steps. 

"Louisa,"  he  said,  in  a  loud,  solemn  voice,  "God  has 
counted  your  tears,  and  taken  upon  Himself  the  revenge  of 
your  wrongs.  It  was  at  Piktupohnen  where  you  first  met 
Napoleon,  and  where  the  overbearing  man  bowed  your  noble 
head  in  the  dust.  At  Piktupohnen  the  Queen  of  Prussia  im- 
plored the  emperor  of  the  French  to  spare  her  country,  and 
grant  her  lenient  terms  of  peace.  It  was  France  now  that 
was  waiting  for  Prussia  at  the  same  place,  asking  Prussia  for 
assistance,  and  Prussia  refused  it.  Where  the  disgraceful 
alliance  commenced  has  been  seen  its  bitter  end.  God  is  just; 
He  has  counted  your  tears,  and  He  is  preparing  your  revenge. 
It  began  at  Piktupohnen." 


THE  DIPLOMATIST.  147 

CHAPTEE    XVI. 

THE    DIPLOMATIST. 

DURING  an  hour  Chancellor  von  Hardenberg,  in  the  cabi- 
net of  the  French  ambassador,  Count  St.  Marsan,  conferred  in 
an  animated  and  grave  manner  as  to  Prussia's  new  position, 
and  the  guaranties  she  offered  to  France  for  the  sincerity  of 
her  alliance.  Count  St.  Marsan  felt  entirely  satisfied,  after 
reading  the  letter  which  King  Frederick  William  had  written 
to  the  King  of  Naples,  and  the  decree  removing  York  from 
his  command.  He  cordially  shook  hands  with  the  chancellor, 
and  assured  him  that  this  disagreeable  affair  would  not  leave 
the  least  vestige  of  distrust;  that  his  august  emperor  would 
also  feel  entirely  satisfied  of  the  sincerity  of  the  king's  senti- 
ments. 

"  And  you  may  add  that  this  will  also  satisfy  the  emperor 
of  the  sincerity  of  my  sentiments  toward  him,"  said  Harden- 
berg, smiling.  "  I  know  that  Napoleon  has  unfortunately 
often  distrusted  me,  and  has  believed  me  to  be  animated  with 
feelings  hostile  to  his  greatness.  Henceforth,  however,  his 
majesty  will  have  to  admit  that  I  am  one  of  his  most  reliable 
and  faithful  adherents.  It  was  I  who  prevailed  upon  the  king 
to  stand  by  France  so  firmly  and  constantly.  You  are  aware 
of  it,  and  I  need  not  conceal  it  from  you,  that  King  Fred- 
erick William  loves  the  Emperor  Alexander,  and  would  be 
happy,  if  circumstances  enabled  him,  to  renew  his  alliance 
with  his  friend  Alexander.  The  Emperor  of  Kussia  has 
already  stretched  out  his  hand  toward  him,  and  is  only  wait- 
ing for  Frederick  WTilliam  to  grasp  it.  York's  defection  was 
carefully  prepared  on  the  part  of  Eussia;  it  was  to  be  the  im- 
pulse which  should  cause  the  king  to  take  Alexander's  hand. 
And  let  me  tell  you,  confidentially,  he  was  not  only  greatly 
inclined  to  do  so,  but  even  the  enthusiasm  of  those  gentlemen 
of  his  suite,  who,  heretofore,  had  always  been  ardent  adher- 
ents of  the  Emperor  of  the  French,  had  cooled  down  since  the 
disasters  of  the  grand  army  in  Eussia,  and  they  believed  it  to 
be  incumbent  on  them  to  advise  the  king  to  join  Eussia. 
But  I — I  have  obtained  a  victory  over  them  all,  and,  by  my 
zeal  and  eloquence,  have  succeeded  in  convincing  Frederick 
William  that  just  now  a  firm  maintenance  of  the  alliance  with 
France  is  most  advantageous  both  to  the  honor  and  welfare  of 


148  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Prussia.  The  king  saw  the  force  of  my  arguments,  and  the 
consequence  was  that  he  rejected  the  proposals  of  Eussia,  and 
declared  in  favor  of  a  faithful  continuance  of  the  alliance  with 
France,  as  is  proved  by  this  letter  to  Murat,  and  this  decree, 
removing  York,  which  I  have  drawn  up,  and  which  is  already 
signed.  France  may  now  confidently  count  on  Prussia,  for 
you  see  we  have  passed  through  our  ordeal,  and  have  proved 
faithful." 

"Yes,  you  have,"  exclaimed  Count  St.  Marsan,  "and  the 
reward  and  acknowledgment  due  to  your  fidelity  will  soon  be 
conferred  on  you.  The  emperor  knows  full  well  that  the 
magnanimous  and  disinterested  character  of  your  excellency 
will  not  permit  him  to  bestow  upon  you  any  other  rewards  and 
thanks  than  those  of  honor  and  of  the  heart.  As  for  the  lat- 
ter, please  let  me  return  them  to  you  now  in  the  name  of  the 
emperor  and  of  France,  and  perhaps  you  will  authorize  me  to 
inform  him  that  your  excellency  will  consider  the  grand  cross 
of  the  Legion  of  Honor  as  a  sufficient  acknowledgment." 

"  Great  Heaven!"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  with  a  face  radi- 
ant with  joy,  "  you  have  divined  the  object  of  my  most  secret 
wishes.  You  have  read  my  mind,  and  understood  my  am- 
bition. There  is  but  one  order  to  wear  which  is  a  proud 
honor,  and  this  order  has  not  as  yet  decorated  my  breast." 

Count  St.  Marsan  bent  closer  to  the  ear  of  the  chancellor. 
"My  noble  friend,"  he  said,  smiling,  and  in  a  low  voice,  "we 
shall  fasten  this  order  to  the  breast  of  the  chancellor  of  state 
on  the  day  when  we  sign  the  marriage-contract  of  the  crown 
prince  and  a  princess  of  the  house  of  Napoleon." 

"Yes,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  "let  it  be  so.  I  accept  this 
condition.  I  shall  not  claim,  nor  deem  myself  worthy  of  re- 
ceiving this  longed-for  order  before  the  day  when  the  Prus- 
sian crown  prince  will  be  betrothed  to  an  imperial  princess  of 
France.  To  bring  about  this  joyful  event  will  henceforth  be 
for  me  an  affair  of  the  heart,  and,  moreover,  to  such  an  extent 
that,  if  this  honor  should  previously  be  offered  me,  I  would 
refuse  it,  because  I  first  wish  to  deserve  it." 

"  And  does  your  excellency  believe  that  you  will  have  to 
wait  long?"  asked  Count  St.  Marsan.  "Do  you  believe  that 
the  day  when  the  betrothal  will  take  place  is  yet  remote?" 

"  I  hope  not.  The  crown  prince  will  be  confirmed  next 
month,  and  after  his  confirmation  it  will  be  time  to  speak  of 
his  marriage.  I  am  satisfied  that  all  will  ^urn  out  well,  and 
conformably  to  our  wishes,  provided — " 


THE  DIPLOMATIST.  149 

"Well?"  asked  St.  Marsan,  when  Hardenberg  suddenly 
paused.  "  Pray,  your  excellency,  confide  in  me,  and  tell  me 
the  whole  truth.  You  may  rest  assured  of  my  most  heart-felt 
gratitude,  my  entire  discretion,  and  the  most  unreserved  con- 
fidence on  my  part.  I  beseech  you,  therefore,  to  speak  out." 

"Well,  then,"  said  Hardenberg,  in  a  low  voice,  and  with 
an  air  of  entire  sincerity,  "  I  was  going  to  say  that  every  thing 
wculd  turn  out  conformably  to  your  wishes,  provided  the  king 
do  not  listen  to  the  incessant  secret  entreaties  and  insinua- 
tions of  Russia,  and  the  new  Eussian  party  at  our  court.  So 
long  as  /remain  here,  I  am  afraid  of  nothing;  but  if  those 
gentlemen  should  succeed  in  persuading  the  king  to  leave 
Berlin,  and  repair  to  a  city  where  he  would  be  closer  to  Rus- 
sia, then  I  would  really  be  afraid." 

"  And  your  excellency  believes  that  the  king  might  enter- 
tain such  an  intention?"  asked  Count  St.  Marsan,  in  breath- 
less suspense. 

Hardenberg  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  I  do  not  want  to 
believe  it,"  he  said,  "  but  I  am  almost  afraid  of  it.  However, 
both  you  and  I  will  be  vigilant.  But  listen,  your  excellency, 
the  clock  is  striking  two!  Two  o'clock  in  the  morning! 
Both  of  us  have  yet  to  send  off  couriers,  and  then  we  may  well 
be  allowed  to  seek  an  hour's  sleep  for  our  exhausted  bodies. 
Good-night,  then,  my  dear  count  and  ally! — good-night!  I 
hasten  to  the  king  to  tell  him  that  France  will  be  content  with 
the  satisfaction  which  we  offer  her,  and  thereby  I  shall  procure 
him  a  quiet  and  peaceful  slumber  for  the  present  night." 

"Ah,  you  are  in  truth  a  magician,  your  excellency!"  said 
St.  Marsan,  gayly,  "  for  you  understand  both  how  to  take 
away  and  give  sleep.  So  long  as  I  am  near  you,  I  forget  all 
weariness;  and  after  you  have  left  me  I  shall,  thanks  to  your 
words  and  promises,  be  able  to  sleep  more  quietly  than  I  have 
done  for  a  long  time.  You  have  quieted  my  soul,  and  my 
body  therefore  will  also  find  rest.  Bid  me  good-night  again, 
for  when  you  say  so  I  will  be  sure  to  have  it." 

"Good-night,  then,  my  dear  count,"  said  Hardenberg, 
shaking  hands  with  his  friend,  and  withdrawing,  with  a  smile, 
from  the  room. 

This  affectionate  smile  was  still  playing  round  the  lips  of 
the  chancellor  when. he  entered  his  carriage.  But  no  sooner 
had  its  door  closed  and  the  carriage  was  moving,  than  an  ex- 
pression of  gloomy  hatred  overspread  his  features.  "  I  hope  I 
have  quite  succeeded  in  misleading  St.  Marsnn  and  arousing 


150  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

• 

his  suspicions  in  regard  to  the  king,"  he  said  to  himself. 
"  As  the  king  refuses  to  listen  to  my  warnings  and  supplica- 
tions, and  does  not  believe  it  to  be  possible  that  France  should 
dare  seize  him,  it  is  time  to  give  him  some  irrefutable  proofs. 
Perhaps  he  may  then  make  up  his  mind  to  leave  Berlin.  I 
may  sign  this  longed-for  betrothal  at  some  other  place,  too, 
and  then  fasten  on  my  breast  the  order  for  which  I  am  long- 
ing. In  truth,"  he  added,  laughing,  "it  is  no  fault  of  mine 
that  dear  Count  St.  Marsan  interprets  my  desire  in  the  way 
he  does.  I  did  not  name  to  him  the  order  I  wish  to  wear. 
It  is  no  fault  of  mine  that  he  imagines  I  wish  for  the  grand 
cross  of  the  Legion  of  Honor.  To  be  sure,  I  wish  to  obtain 
an  order  of  honor,  but  one  of  a  German  patriot,  and  that  I 
can  only  obtain  from  the  gratitude  of  my  countrymen  and  im- 
partial history." 

The  carriage  stopped  in  front  of  the  royal  palace,  and  Har- 
denberg  hastened  to  the  king.  Silence  reigned  in  the  ante- 
room ;  a  few  sleepy  footmen  were  sitting  on  the  cane  chairs 
beside  the  door,  and  scarcely  took  notice  of  the  arrival  of  the 
chancellor,  who  passed  them  with  soft,  hurried  steps,  and  en- 
tered the  small  .reception-room.  Here,  too,  all  was  still,  and 
the  two  candles  on  the  table,  which  had  burned  low,  shed  but 
a  dim  light  in  the  room.  The  chancellor  noticed  two  figures 
sitting  on  both  sides  of  the  door  leading  into  the  adjoining 
room,  and  slowly  swinging  to  and  fro,  like  the  pendulum  of  a 
clock.  He  softly  approached  the  two  sleepers.  "Ah,"  he 
whispered,  with  a  smile,  "  there  sleeps  Timm,  the  chamber- 
lain, who  is  to  announce  my  arrival  to  the  king;  and  here 
sleeps  Major  Natzmer,  to  whom  I  want  to  say  a  word  before 
he  sets  out."  He  laid  his  hand  gently  on  the  major's  shoul- 
der. Natzmer  jumped  up  at  once  and  drew  himself  up  in  a 
stiff,  military  attitude.  "  You  are  very  prudent  in  nodding 
a  little  now,"  said  Hardenberg,  kindly  giving  him  his  hand, 
"  for  I  am  afraid  you  will  not  find  much  time  for  it  during 
the  remainder  of  the  night.  You  are  ready  to  set  out  im- 
mediately, are  you  not?" 

"  I  am,  your  excellency." 

"And  your  dispatches,  I  believe,  are  ready,  too. — My  dear 
Timm,"  he  then  said  to  the  chamberlain,  "pray  announce  my 
arrival  to  his  majesty." 

"I  believe  it  is  unnecessary,"  said  Timm,  with  the  famil- 
iarity of  a  favorite  servant.  "  His  majesty  is  waiting  for  yonr 
excellency." 


THE  DIPLOMATIST.  151 

"You  had  better  announce  my  arrival,"  said  Hardenberg, 
smiling,  "  for  it  might  be  possible  that  I  surprise  the  king  in 
the  same  manner  as  I  did  these  two  gentlemen  here,  and  that 
would  be  disagreeable." 

"That  is  true,"  said  Timm,  hastily  approaching  the  door. 
"I  will  immediately  announce  your  excellency." 

No  sooner  had  he  left  the  room,  than  the  chancellor  laid 
his  hand  on  the  major's  arm,  and  bent  over  him.  "  My 
friend,"  he  said,  in  a  low,  hurried  voice,  "I  know  you  share 
my  views." 

"  Your  excellency  knows  that  I  adore  you  as  the  statesman 
who  holds  the  future  happiness  of  Prussia  in  his  hands,  and 
that  I  abhor  the  French,  who  have  brought  Prussia  to  the 
brink  of  ruin." 

"Will  you  do  something  to  bring  her  back  from  this 
brink?" 

"Yes,  your  excellency,  though  it  cost  my  life." 

"  That  would  be  a  high  price.  No ;  we  stand  in  need  of 
your  life  and  your  arm,  for  Prussia  will  soon  need  all  her 
soldiers.  What  I  ask  of  you  is  not  near  so  valuable.  Listen 
to  me.  The  king  sends  you  as  a  courier  to  Old  Prussia.  Re- 
pair, in  the  first  place,  to  Murat's  headquarters,  and  deliver 
the  king's  letter  to  him.  Go  to  the  Eussian  headquarters, 
and  call  upon  Prince  Wittgenstein.  All  I  ask  of  you  is  to  in- 
form Prince  Wittgenstein  that  you  are  the  bearer  of  two 
dispatches.  Tell  him  that  one  is  an  autograph  letter  from  the 
king  to  the  Emperor  Alexander,  and  the  other  a  decree 
removing  General  York  from  his  command,  and  ordering  him 
to  be  put  on  his  trial  before  a  military  commission." 

"What!"  exclaimed  Natzmer,  in  dismay.  "Our  noble 
York  is  to  be  removed  from  his  command?" 

"Yes;  the  king  has  resolved  to  remove  and  cashier  him, 
because  he  has  gone  over  with  his  corps  to  the  Russians." 

"York  gone  over  to  the  Russians!"  exclaimed  Natzmer, 
joyously.  "  And  for  this  wondrously  bold  step  I  am  to  bring 
him  a  decree  superseding  and  cashiering  him?" 

"  That  is  what  the  king  orders  you  to  do,  and,  of  course, 
you  will  have  to  obey.  But,  I  repeat  to  you,  the  only  thing 
I  ask  of  you  is  to  inform  Prince  Wittgenstein  what  dispatches 
are  in  your  hands,  and  what  their  contents  are." 

"  But  suppose  the  king  should  not  tell  me  any  thing  about 
them?  Suppose  their  contents,  therefore,  should  be  unknown 
to  me?'" 


152  NAPOLEON  AND  BUTCHER. 

"  The  king  himself  will  communicate  the  contents  to  you, 
and  even  order  you  to  mention  everywhere  on  the  road  that 
you  are  the  bearer  of  a  decree  cashiering  York,  the  criminal 
general.  It  is  of  great  importance  to  his  majesty  that  every 
one,  and,  above  all,  France,  should  learn  that  he  is  highly 
incensed  at  York's  defection,  and  that — •  Hush !  I  hear  Timm 
coming!  You  will  comply  with  my  request?" 

"  I  shall  inform  Prince  Wittgenstein  of  the  contents  of  my 
dispatches." 

"  In  that  case,  I  hope  York  will  be  safe!     Hush!" 

The  door  opened  again,  and  the  chamberlain  entered. 
"Your  excellency  was  quite  right,"  he  said;  "  it  was  well  that 
I  announced  your,  arrival.  His  majesty,  like  ourselves,  had 
fallen  asleep.  But  now  he  is  awaiting  you. "  He  opened  the 
folding-doors,  and  Hardenberg  hastened  across  the  adjoining 
room  to  the  king's  cabinet,  to  communicate  to  him  the  result 
of  his  interview  with  the  French  ambassador. 

An  hour  afterward  Major  Natzmer  received  three  dispatches 
at  the  hands  of  the  king.  The  first  was  a  letter  to  Napoleon's 
lieutenant  at  the  head  of  the  French  army,  the  King  of 
Naples.  In  this  Frederick  William  informed  Murat  that  he 
was  filled  with  the  most  intense  indignation  at  the  step  York 
had  taken,  and  that  he  had  commissioned  Major  Natzmer  to 
deliver  a  royal  decree  to  General  Kleist,  authorizing  him  to 
take  command  of  the  troops  and  arrest  General  York.  He 
declared  further  in  this  letter  that,  as  a  matter  of  course,  he 
refused  to  ratify  the  convention,  and  that  the  Prussian  troops, 
commanded  by  General  Kleist,  should  be,  as  they  had  been 
heretofore,  subject  to  the  orders  of  the  Emperor  Napoleon, 
and  his  lieutenant,  the  King  of  Naples.*  The  second  dis- 
patch was  confidential,  to  the  Emperor  Alexander,  the  con- 
tents of  which  the  king  had  not  communicated  even  to  his 
chancellor  of  state.  The  third  was,  the  decree  superseding 
York,  and  ordering  Kleist  to  take  command  of  the  troops. 

"I  think,"  said  the  king,  after  Natzmer  had  withdrawn, 
"  we  have  now  done  every  thing  to  appease  Napoleon's  wrath, 
and  avert  from  Prussia  all  evil  consequences.  Are  you  not 
also  of  this  opinion,  M.  Chancellor?" 

"  It  only  remains  to  send  a  special  envoy  to  Napoleon  him- 
self and  assure  him  of  your  majesty's  profound  indignation," 
said  Hardenberg,  gloomily.  "  The  proud  emperor,  perhaps, 
expects  such  a  proof  of  the  fidelity  of  your  majesty." 

*Droysen's  "  Life  of  York, "  vol.  ii.,  p.  37. 


THE  DIPLOMATIST.  153 

The  king  cast  a  quick  and  searching  glance  on  the  gloomy 
countenance  of  the  chancellor,  and  then  gazed  for  some  time 
musingly.  "  You  are  right,"  he  said,  after  a  pause;  "  I  must 
send  a  special  envoy  to  Paris.  When  it  is  necessary  to  appease 
a  bloodthirsty  tiger,  no  means  should  be  left  untried.  I 
myself  will  write  to  Napoleon  and  assure  him  that  I  will  faith- 
fully adhere  to  the  alliance.  Prince  Hatzfeld  will  depart  with 
this  letter  for  Paris  early  in  the  morning." 

"  Your  majesty  will  then  have  done  every  thing  to  satisfy 
the  French  of  the  sincerity  of  your  friendly  intentions  toward 
them,  but  I  am  afraid  they  do  not  care  to  be  satisfied." 

"  You  believe,  then,  seriously  that  the  French  are  menacing 
me?"  asked  the  king,  with  a  contemptuous  smile. 

"  I  am  convinced  of  it,  j^our  majesty." 

"  But  what  do  you  believe,  then?     What  are  you  afraid  of?" 

"  As  I  said  before,  I  am  afraid  they  will  dare  abduct  the 
sacred  person  of  your  majesty,  and  I  beseech  you  to  be  on 
your  guard;  never  leave  your  palace  alone  and  unarmed; 
never  go  into  the  street  without  being  attended  by  an  armed 
escort." 

"  Ah,"  said  the  king,  with  a  sad  smile,  "  do  not  the  French 
always  see  to  it  that  I  am  attended  by  an  escort?  Am  I  not 
always  surrounded  by  their  spies  and  eavesdroppers?" 

"  If  your  majesty  is  aware  of  this,  why  do  you  not  yield  to 
my  entreaties?  Why  do  you  not  leave  Berlin?" 

"  Perhaps  to  go  to  Potsdam?  Shall  I  be  less  watched  there 
by  the  spies?  Shall  I  there  be  less  a  prisoner?" 

"  No,  your  majesty  ought  to  leave  Berlin  in  order  to  deliver 
yourself  at  one  blow,  and  thoroughly,  from  this  intolerable 
espionage.  Your  majesty  ought  to  make  up  your  mind  to  go 
to  Breslau.  There  you  would  be  nearer  your  army;  there 
your  faithful  subjects  and  followers  would  rally  round  you, 
and  the  Emperor  Alexander  perhaps  would  soon  come  thither. 
At  all  events,  your  majesty  would  there  be  secure  from  the 
French  spies,  and  your  adherents  would  be  delivered  from 
their  anxiety  for  the  personal  safety  of  your  majesty." 

"  To  Breslau !"  exclaimed  the  king,  anxiously.  "  That  is 
impossible! — that  would  be  pouring  oil  into  the  fire — that 
would  be  to  advance  on  the  path  into  which  York  has 
entered." 

"  It  would  be  another  step  toward  the  deliverance  of  your 
majesty,  the  salvation  of  the  country,  and  the  annihilation  of 
the  tyrant!"  said  Hardenberg,  raising  his  voice. 
11 


154  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

The  king  made  no  reply;  he  stepped  to  the  window,  and, 
turning  his  back  to  the  chancellor,  looked  out  musingly  into 
the  night.  Hardenberg  looked  now  at  him,  and  then  on  the 
queen's  portrait.  Suddenly  his  features  grew  milder,  and  an 
indescribable,  imploring  expression  was  to  be  seen  in  his  eyes. 
"  Help  me,  queen,"  he  whispered,  in  a  fervid  tone.  "  Direct 
his  heart,  guardian  angel  of  Prussia;  render  it  strong  and 
firm,  and — " 

The  king  turned  again  to  the  chancellor  and  approached 
him.  "I  cannot  comply  with  your  request,"  said  Frederick 
William,  "for,  if  I  should  go  to  Breslau,  it  would  be  equiva- 
lent to  a  declaration  of  war,  and  we  are,  unfortunately,  not 
in  a  position  to  justify  that.  I  must  not  rashly  plunge  myself 
and  my  country  into  a  danger  which  probably  would  bring 
about  our  utter  ruin.  But  I  pledge  you  my  word  that,  if 
your  apprehensions  should  really  be  verified — if  I  really  obtain 
proofs  that  my  person  and  liberty  are  menaced,  I  shall  then 
deem  it  incumbent  on  me  to  escape  from  this  danger,  and  re- 
move the  seat  of  government  to  a  safer  place — perhaps 
Breslau." 

"Is  your  majesty  in  earnest?"  exclaimed  Hardenberg, 
joyously.  "  You  really  intend,  after  having  satisfied  yourself 
that  dangers  are  threatening  you  here,  to  leave  Berlin  and 
place  yourself  beyond  the  reach  of  the  French?" 

"  I  pledge  you  my  word  of  honor  that  such  is  my  intention," 
said  the  king,  solemnly.  "  And  now,  enough !  I  believe  both 
of  us  need  a  few  hours'  rest.  In  the  course  of  the  forenoon  I 
will  write  the  letter  which  Prince  Hatzfeld  is  to  take  to  Paris. 
Good-night,  M.  Chancellor!" 

"Drive  me  home  as  fast  as  your  horses  can  run,"  shouted 
Hardenberg  to  his  coachman,  on  entering  his  carriage. 

"We  shall  be  there  in  five  minutes,"  muttered  the  coach- 
man, whipping  his  horses  into  a  gallop. 

Precisely  five  minutes  afterward  the  carriage  stopped  in 
front  of  the  chancellor's  residence,  and  a  well-dressed  young 
man,  hastily  pushing  aside  the  footman,  opened  the  coach 
door. 

"Ah,  is  it  you,  my  dear  Richard?"  said  Hardenberg,  sur- 
prised. "  Why  have  you  not  yet  gone  to  bed?" 

"  Because  I  could  not  sleep  while  your  excellency  had  not 
returned,"  said  the  young  man,  assisting  the  minister  in 
alighting.  "It  is  nearly  four  o'clock;  the  whole  house 
greatly  alarmed," 


THE  DIPLOMATIST.  155 

"  Well,  and  what  were  yon  afraid  of,  you  dear  fools?"  asked 
Hardenberg,  smilingly,  while  ascending  the  staircase. 

"  That  your  enemies  had  found  means  to  kidnap  you,  and 
that  the  French  had  resorted  to  such  an  outrage  to  get  rid  of 
their  most  dangerous  and  powerful  adversary." 

"Ah,  you  big  children!"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  laughing. 
"  How  could  you  give  way  to  such  senseless  apprehensions 
while  I  was  supping  in  a  friendly  way  at  the  house  of  the 
French  marshal?" 

"Just  for  that  reason,  your  excellency,"  said  Eichard,  smil- 
ing. "  We  may  know  well  how  to  get  into  a  mouse-trap,  but 
we  do  not  know  how  to  get  out  again.  A  panic  prevailed 
among  your  servants,  and  the  footmen  had  already  made  up 
their  minds  to  arm  themselves,  go  to  the  house  of  Marshal 
Augereau,  and  forcibly  deliver  your  excellency." 

"  I  was  lucky,  therefore,  in  escaping  from  such  ridicule," 
said  Hardenberg,  gravely.  "  A  minister  who  is  taken  home 
by  his  servants  vi  et  armis,  because  he  takes  the  liberty  not  to 
return  at  an  early  hour — what  a  splendid  farce  that  would  be ! 
Pray  be  kind  enough  to  tell  my  servants  that  their  anxiety 
was  very  foolish.  The  greatest  cordiality  prevails  between 
myself  and  the  French  gentlemen,  and  never  before  has  there 
been  such  a  friendly  understanding  between  France  and  Prus- 
sia. My  servants  should  always  remember  that,  and  commit 
no  follies. " 

He  intentionally  said  this  in  so  loud  a  tone  that  the  two 
footmen  who  preceded  him  with  lights,  as  well  as  the  two 
servants  who  followed,  heard  and  understood  every  word  he 
uttered.  Hardenberg  knew,  therefore,  that  all  his  servants, 
fifteen  minutes  afterward,  would  be  informed  of  the  new 
entente  cordiale  between  Prussia  and  France ;  that  all  Berlin 
would  be  aware  of  it  on  the  following  day,  and  that  he  would 
thus  have  attained  his  object. 

"  Your  excellency  will  not  yet  retire?"  asked  Eichard, 
when  the  minister,  instead  of  going  down  the  corridor  to  his 
bedroom,  now  halted  at  the  door  of  his  cabinet. 

"No,  M.  Private  Secretary,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling. 
"  As  you  are  still  awake,  and  apparently  not  sleepy,  let  us 
hold  a  little  business  conference.  Come!" 

No  sooner  had  the  servants  put  the  lights  on  the  table  and 
left  the  room,  than  the  face  of  the  chancellor  suddenly  as- 
sumed a  grave  air.  Ordering,  with  an  imperious  wave  of  his 
hand,  his  private  secretary  to  be  silent,  he  hastened  to  his 


156  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

desk  and  quickly  wrote  a  few  lines.  "  Kichard,"  he  said, 
casting  the  pen  aside,  and  turning  his  head  toward  the  young 
man,  who  witnessed  his  mysterious  proceedings  in  great  sur- 
prise, "  Eichard,  come  here  !*' 

The  young  man  hastened  to  him,  and  when  Hardenberg 
gave  him  his  hand,  with  a  kind  smile,  Kichard  stooped  down 
and  pressed  a  tender  kiss  on  it. 

"  Ah,  lips  as  glowing  as  yours  are,  should  kiss  only  beauti- 
ful girls,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling. 

"  But  these  lips  like  better  to  kiss  the  hand  of  my  benefac- 
tor, my  protector,"  exclaimed  the  young  man,  "the  kind 
hand  of  the  man  who  extricated  me  from  poverty,  distress, 
and  despair ;  who  caused  me  to  be  fed,  educated,  and  in- 
structed ;  and  who  (until  I  myself,  by  his  liberal  kindness, 
was  enabled  to  discharge  this  sacred  duty)  secured  to  my  poor 
sick  mother  an  existence  free  from  cares." 

"Do  not  allude  to  these  trifles,"  said  Hardenberg,  care- 
lessly. "  Tell  me,  rather,  do  you  regard  me  with  respect  and 
love?" 

"  Indescribably,  your  excellency ;  with  the  tenderness  of  a 
son,  with  the  devotedness  and  fidelity  of  an  old  servant." 

"  Will  you  give  me  a  proof  of  it  ?" " 

"  I  will,  your  excellency,  and  should  you  demand  my  heart's 
blood,  I  would  willingly  spill  it  for  you !" 

"  Listen  to  me,  then !  In  five  minutes  you  must  be  on 
horseback  and  ride  at  a  gallop,  night  and  day,  until  you  reach 
the  Russian  camp." 

"  In  three  days,"  said  Eichard,  gravely,  "  but  the  journey 
will  kill  my  horse." 

"  I  will  give  you  two  horses  for  him,  provided  you  arrive 
sooner  than  Major  N"atzmerat  the  headquarters  of  Prince  Witt- 
genstein, commander-in-chief  of  the  Eussian  troops  !" 

"  Has  Natzmer  left  Berlin  already  ?" 

"  Yes,  about  an  hour  since,  and  you  know  that  he  is  con- 
sidered the  most  dashing  and  reckless  horseman  among  all 
our  officers.  He  has,  moreover,  another  advantage.  He  will 
ride  through  the  French  camp,  and  will  thence  go  to  the 
Eussian  army,  which  is  in  the  rear  of  it ;  but  you  must  ride 
around  the  French  camp,  and  go  by  way  of  Gumbinnen,  un- 
noticed by  the  French,  to  the  Eussian  headquarters.  But 
the  main  point  is,  that  you  arrive  there  sooner  than  Major 
Natzmer." 

"  I  will  arrive  there  sooner.  Your  excellency  knows  that  I 
have  often  been  in  Konigsberg  and  its  surroundings ;  I  know 


THE  DIPLOMATIST.  157 

all  the  by-ways  and  short  cuts,  and  am,  moreover,  a  good 
horseman." 

"  I  know  all  that.  I  presume,  therefore,  that  you  will  be 
with  Wittgenstein  before  Natzmer  reaches  him.  But  you  will 
tell  no  one  that  it  is  I  who  sent  you.  It  is  your  task  to  find 
means  to  speak  to  him  alone.  But  wait — I  will  give  you  your 
credentials.  Take  this  ring.  General  Wittgenstein  knows 
it;  he  has  often  seen  it  on  my  finger,  and  he  is  familiar  with 
my  coat-of-arms.  Send  him  this  ring  by  his  aide-de-camp, 
and  he  will  admit  you." 

"  He  will  admit  me,  should  I  have  to  shoot  down  the 
sentinels." 

"  As  soon  as  you  are  face  to  face  with  the  general,  deliver  to 
him  this  little  note,  which  I  have  penned.  Read  it,  and  then 
I  will  direct  and  seal  it."  He  handed  the  paper  to  the  young 
man.  "Read  it  aloud,"  he  said. 

"  In  one  or  two  hours  Major  Natzmer  will  arrive  at  the 
headquarters  of  your  excellency,  and  beg  leave  to  pass  through 
the  Russian  camp  in  order  to  repair  to  General  York.  If  your 
excellency  should  grant  his  request,  and  allow  him  to  reach 
York's  headquarters,  the  hopes  of  Prussian  patriots  would  be 
annihilated  at  one  fell  swoop.  But  if  York  remains  at  the 
head  of  his  troops,  so  enthusiastically  attached  to  him — if  the 
whole  nation  and  the  whole  corps  may  from  this  fact  derive 
the  hope  that  York  acted  in  compliance  with  the  secret  in- 
structions of  his  king,  then  we  may  hope  for  a  speedy  change 
in  our  affairs.  The  fate  and  the  future  of  Prussia  therefore 
lie  in  the  hands  of  noble  General  Wittgenstein." 

"  Now  read  over  the  letter  twice  for  yourself,"  said  Harden  - 
berg,  "that  you  may  engrave  it  on  your  memory.  For  in 
case  you  should  happen  to  lose  the  letter,  or  if  it  should  be 
stolen  from  you,  you  must  verbally  repeat  its  contents  to 
Prince  Wittgenstein." 

"  I  shall  not  lose  it,  and  no  one  can  steal  it  from  me,  for  I 
shall  carry  it  in  my  heart.  I  have  nothing  further  to  do 
than  to  deliver  this  letter  to  him?" 

"  You  have  to  say  yet  to  the  general  a  few  words  which  I 
dare  not  intrust  to  paper,  but  only  to  your  memory.  You 
will  say  to  him:  'Every  thing  is  ready,  and  the  period  of 
procrastination  and  hesitation  is  drawing  to  a  close.  In  a  few 
days  the  king  will  leave  Berlin,  where  he  was  in  danger  of 
being  arrested  by  the  French,  and  repair  to  Breslau.  At 
Breslau  he  will  issue  a  manifesto  to  his  people  and  call  them 


158  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

to  arms. '  Hush,  young  man,  hush !  no  joyous  exclamations, 
no  transports!  You  must  set  out!  It  is  high  time!  Beware 
of  the  bullets  of  the  French,  and  the  thievish  hands  of  the 
Russians!  You  must  reach  Wittgenstein  sooner  than  Natz- 
mer  does;  do  not  forget  that!" 

"  I  shall  not.     Farewell,  your  excellency !" 

"  Farewell,  my  young  friend.  For  a  week  at  least,  then,  I 
shall  not  see  your  dear  face  greeting  me  every  morning  in  my 
cabinet.  You  must  indemnify  me  for  it." 

"In  what  way,  your  excellency?" 

"You  must  embrace  me,  my  young  friend,"  exclaimed 
Hardenberg,  stretching  out  his  arms  toward  the  young 
man. 

"Oh,  how  kind,  how  generous  you  are!"  exclaimed  Rich- 
ard, encircling  the  minister  with  his  arms,  and  then  reveren- 
tially kissing  his  shoulders  and  his  hands. 

"Now,  your  excellency,"  he  said,  rising  quickly,  "now  I 
am  ready  to  brave  all  dangers.  Farewell!"  He  waved  his 
hand  again  to  the  minister,  and  left  the  room. 

"He  will  outstrip  Natzmer,"said  Hardenberg,  gazing  after 
him;  "  it  is  an  arrow  of  love  which  I  have  discharged,  and  it 
will  not  miss  its  aim.  And  now  let  us  see  how  it  is  about  the 
other  arrow  of  love,  which  mes  cliers  amis  mes  ennemis  would 
like  to  discharge  at  me!"  He  rang  the  bell.  Conrad,  his 
faithful  old  footman,  entered  the  room. 

"Has  there  no  note  come  for  me?"  asked  Hardenberg. 

"Yes,  there  has,  your  excellency,"  said  Conrad,  in  a  low 
and  anxious  tone.  "Two  letters,  your  excellency." 

"Give  them  to  me." 

Conrad  cast  a  searching  glance  over  the  room ;  he  then  drew 
two  tiny,  neatly-folded  letters  from  his  bosom  and  handed 
them  to  the  minister.  "  She  herself  was  here,"  he  whispered, 
"  and  seemed  very  sad  when  I  told  her  his  excellency  was  not 
at  home,  and  at  first  she  refused  to  believe  what  I  said.  Only 
when  I  swore  to  her  it  was  true,  she  gave  me  the  first  note. 
She  returned  afterward  and  brought  the  second  letter." 

"  But  why  do  you  tell  me  all  this  in  so  mysterious  and 
timid  a  manner?  Are  you  afraid  lest  some  one  has  concealed 
himself,  and  plays  the  eavesdropper?" 

"Not  that  exactly,  your  excellency,"  whispered  Conrad; 
"but — the  walls  might  have  ears!"  He  pointed  furtively  at 
the  ceiling  of  the  room. 

"Ah,  we  are  here  under  my  wife's  bedroom,"  said  Harden- 


THE  DIPLOMATIST.  159 

berg,  laughing.  "  Yon  are  afraid  lest  she  should  be  awake, 
and  overhear  bur  words  through  the  floor  of  her  room." 

"  Madame  von  Hardenberg  sees,  hears,  and  divines  every 
thing,"  said  Conrad,  with  an  air  of  dismay. 

"  It  is  true/'  muttered  Hardenberg  to  himself,  "  her  jealousy 
gives  her  a  thousand  eyes,  and  the  events  of  her  own  life  have 
familiarized  her  with  all  sorts  of  cabals  and  intrigues.  In  this 
way  she  succeeded  in  becoming  my  wife  and  in  bearing  my 
name  before  the  world.  But,  no  matter !  I  am  not  afraid  of 
her  Argus  eyes,  nor  shall  she  prevent  me  from  pursuing  my 
own  path,  and  adorning  my  dreary  private  life  with  a  flower 
or  two  of  pleasure." 

"I  believe  and  fear,  your  excellency,"  whispered  Conrad, 
"  Madame  von  Hardenberg  has  found  out  that  the  young  lady 
was  here,  and  that  I  received  these  letters  from  her." 

"What  makes  you  believe  so?" 

"  Madame  von  Hardenberg  sent  for  me  at  eleven  o'clock  to- 
night, and  asked  me  when  your  excellency  would  return,  and 
whither  you  had  gone.  When  I  told  her  I  could  not  inform 
her,  because  I  did  not  know,  she  was  pleased  to  box  my  ears 
and  threaten  that  she  would  before  long  turn  me  out  of  the 
house." 

"  These  are,  indeed,  very  valid  reasons  for  your  supposi- 
tions," said  Hardenberg,  smiling.  "But  do  not  be  alarmed. 
I  know  how  to  protect  you  from  being  turned  out,  and  as  to 
having  your  ears  boxed,  it  is  no  insult,  by  the  soft  little  hands 
of  a  lady.  Any  other  news?" 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  the  physician  of  the  young  lady  was 
here  at  a  late  hour  in  the  evening,  in  order  to  tell  me  that 
she  had  again  fallen  asleep,  and,  before  doing  so,  had  an- 
nounced she  would  be  clairvoyant  at  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning." 

"At  eight  o'clock!"  exclaimed  Hardenberg.  "Do  you 
hear,  Conrad? — I  must  be  there  at  eight  o'clock.  That  is  to 
say,  you  must  awaken  me  at  seven  o'clock." 

"  But,  your  excellency,  you  will  then  have  slept  scarcely  two 
hours,"  said  Conrad,  sadly. 

"  My  old  friend,"  said  Hardenberg,  "shall  we  not  have  time 
enough  for  sleeping  in  our  graves?  Let  us  be  awake  here  on 
earth  as  long  as  possible.  You  will  awaken  me  at  seven 
o'clock.  And  now,  come  and  assist  me  in  retiring." 

Fifteen  minutes  afterward  Hardenberg  was  in  bed.  A  neat 
little  table,  with  a  night-lamp  burning  on  a  golden  plate,  was 


160  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

standing  at  his  bedside.  Before  falling  asleep,  the  chancellor 
read  the  two  notes  which  Conrad  had  delivered  to  him. 
"Protestations  of  love!"  he  whispered,  smiling  and  folding 
them  up.  "  Protestations  of  love — that  is  to  say,  falsehoods. 
But  I  must  confess  that  this  arrow,  which  mes  chers  amis  mes 
ennemis  have  discharged  at  me,  is  at  least  very  finely  feathered 
and  very  attractive.  At  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  then ! 
Well,  I  shall  see  whether  I  do  not  succeed  in  playing  my  hos- 
tile friends  a  little  trick,  and  in  returning  the  arrow  to  their 
own  breast." 


CHAPTEE    XVII. 

THE   CLAIKVOYANTE. 

FOR  some  time  past  the  inhabitants  of  Berlin  had  paid  a 
great  deal  of  attention  to  the  doings  of  Doctor  Binder,  and 
told  each  other  wonderful  stories  of  the  new  medical  system  of 
this  strange  physician.  He  treated  his  patients  in  an  entirely 
novel  way,  and  performed  his  cures  in  a  manner  bordering 
strongly  on  the  romantic  and  miraculous.  He  neither  felt 
the  pulse  of  his  sick  friends,  nor  did  he  examine  their  tongue ; 
he  only  gazed  on  them  for  a  minute  with  his  sombre,  flaming 
eyes,  and  the  patients  then  felt  as  if  fascinated  by  them. 
Their  pain  ceased,  their  blood  burned  less  ardently,  and  an 
indescribable  feeling  pervaded  their  body  for  a  moment. 
When  the  doctor  perceived  this,  he  would  raise  both  his  hands, 
and  with  the  palms  softly  and  repeatedly  stroke  his  subject's 
face.  Then  the  sufferer's  cheeks  colored ;  a  wondrous,  long- 
forgotten  smile  played  round  the  lips  which,  for  many  months, 
had  opened  only  to  utter  prayers,  or  sighs  and  complaints ; 
the  dimmed  eyes  began  to  brighten,  and  fixed  themselves  with 
a  radiant  expression  on  the  face  of  the  doctor,  whose  stead- 
fast, piercing  glances  seemed  to  penetrate  the  sick  one's  coun- 
tenance, and  reach  down  into  his  soul,  in  order  to  divine,  in 
its  innermost  recesses,  his  most  secret  feelings  and  thoughts. 
By  and  by  a  sweet  peace  pervaded  the  soul  of  the  patient ;  his 
aching  limbs  relaxed ;  he  folded  his  hands,  which  had  hitherto 
moved  convulsively  and  restively  on  the  counterpane;  the 
eyes,  which  had  steadfastly  rested  on  the  face  of  the  wonder- 
ful physician,  closed  gradually,  and  soon  his  long  and  regular 
breathings  indicated  that  he  had  at  length  found  the  slumber 


THE  CLAIRVOYANTE.  161 

which,  during  his  sickness,  he  had  so  long  sought  and  yearned 
for. 

It  is  true,  the  patient  awoke  after  a  time,  and  his  sufferings 
returned ;  the  end  of  his  slumber  was  often  accompanied  by- 
painful  convulsions,  an  indescribable  feeling  of  depression, 
and  the  most  profound  sadness,  but  Dr.  Binder  was  present; 
his  eyes  exorcised  the  patient's  pain,  his  hands  quieted  the 
quivering  limbs,  and  chased  away  the  tears,  and  the  sufferer 
fell  again  into  a  sweet  and  refreshing  slumber.  This  lulling 
the  patient  to  sleep,  this  fascinating  gaze,  and  laying  on  of 
hands,  were  the  only  medicines  which  the  doctor  adminis- 
tered, and  by  which  he  succeeded  in  freeing  them  from  their 
sufferings  and  diseases.  People  related  the  most  wonderful 
cures  which  he  had  performed ;  they  spoke  of  persons  who 
had  been  blind  ever  since  their  birth,  and  whom  he  had 
caused  to  see — of  deaf-mutes,  to  whom  he  had  given  the  power 
of  speech  and  hearing  after  a  few  days'  treatment — of  lame 
men,  who  suddenly,  after  being  touched  by  the  doctor's 
hands,  had  thrown  away  their  crutches,  and  walked  freely  and 
easily. 

But  the  public's  attention  was  particularly  riveted  by  the 
case  of  a  young  girl  who  had  been  for  some  time  past  under 
Dr.  Binder's  treatment.  She  had  come  from  a  distant  city 
to  seek  a  cure  at  the  hands  of  the  famous  physician  and  pupil 
of  Mesmer.  A  bad  cold  had  brought  about  a  paralysis  of  all 
her  limbs;  she  was  unable  to  move  her  hands  and  feet,  and 
had  for  months  lain  on  her  bed  as  motionless,  rigid,  and 
dumb,  as  a  marble  statue.  Her  parents  had,  in  the  anguish 
of  their  heart,  at  length  applied  to  Dr.  Binder.  The  doctor 
received  her  into  his  house.  He  publicly  invited  all  the 
physicians  of  Berlin  to  visit  his  patient,  to  examine  her  con- 
dition, and  to  satisfy  themselves  of  the  efficacy  of  his  cure. 
He  also  requested  the  public  to  watch  the  progress  of  it,  and 
to  come  to  his  house  at  the  hours  when  he  lulled  his  patient 
to  sleep.  The  physicians  had  disdainfully  refused  to  have  any 
thing  to  do  with  the  "quack  doctor,"  who  pretended  to  cure 
diseases  without  medicines ;  but  the  public  appeared  the  more 
eagerly. 

And  this  public  enjoyed  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  that  the 
motionless  form  of  the  young  girl,  who  at  first  had  lain  on 
the  bed  as  rigid  as  stone,  very  slowly  commenced  to  move.  It 
was  seen  that,  a  few  days  afterward,  she  raised  her  right  hand, 
and,  shortly  after,  her  right  foot;  gradually  life  and  motion 


162  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

were  restored  to  her  limbs,  and  at  length,  at  a  truly  solemn 
hour,  the  young  girl,  at  the  doctor's  loudly-uttered  command, 
arose  from  her  couch  and  paced  the  room  with  firm  and  steady 
steps.  It  is  true  she  uttered  a  piercing  cry,  and  fell  at  the 
feet  of  the  doctor,  her  limbs  quivering  as  though  she  were 
seized  with  convulsion,  but  gradually  she  grew  more  quiet;  a 
peaceful  expression  beamed  from  her  features,  and  she  com- 
menced talking  in  a  tone  of  joyous  enthusiasm.  She  spoke  of 
the  wonderful  world  on  which  she  was  gazing  with  her  inward 
eyes,  of  the  visions  which  burst  on  her  soul,  and  her  lips 
whispered  strange  prophecies.  This  condition  of  the  patient 
repeatedly  occurred  every  day,  and  with  unfailing  regularity 
followed  every  "crisis." 

The  young  woman  had  become  a  clairvoyante ;  and  it  was  a 
truly  wonderful  fact  that  she,  who,  according  to  the  state- 
ments of  her  relatives,  had  never  cared  for  politics  or  public 
affairs,  and  to  whom  it  was  entirely  indifferent  whether  Na- 
poleon or  any  other  sovereign  ruled  Germany,  suddenly,  in 
her  clairvoyant  state,  devoted  her  whole  attention  to  political 
questions,  and  that  she  had,  as  it  were,  become  a  prophetess 
of  the  destinies  of  states. 

It  was  not  very  strange,  therefore,  that  this  phenomenon 
excited  even  the  attention  of  statesmen,  and  that  they  too 
went  to  seethe  clairvoyante  in  her  political  ecstasy,  and  to  put 
to  her  questions  on  public  affairs,  which  she  answered  always 
with  truly  wonderful  tact,  and  with  the  most  profound  in- 
sight into  all  such  questions. 

Among  those  who  took  an  interest  in  her  was  the  chancellor 
of  state,  Minister  von  Hardenberg.  Curiosity  had  at  first 
induced  him  to  call  upon  her;  then  her  clever  and  piquant 
remarks  struck  him  as  something  very  strange,  and  at  last  he 
became  a  regular  visitor.  Of  late,  at  his  special  request,  the 
room  of  the  patient,  during  her  crises  and  clairvoyant  trances, 
had  been  shut  against  all  other  visitors,  and  only  the  chancel- 
lor and  the  physician  were  present. 

The  young  woman,  who,  during  her  trances,  regularly  an- 
nounced at  what  hour  of  the  following  day  she  would  relapse 
into  this  condition,  had  predicted  that  she  would  awake  from 
her  magnetic  slumber  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
would  then  be  in  a  state  of  clairvoyance.  This  hour  had  not 
yet  arrived ;  the  clock  which  stood  in  her  room  on  the  bureau 
under  the  looking-glass  indicated  that  about  ten  minutes 
were  still  wanting  to  the  stated  time.  A  profound  silence 


THE  CLAIRVOYANTE.  163 

reigned  in  the  room  of  the  young  patient.  The  physician 
sat  reading  on  a  high-backed  chair  at  her  bedside — his  book 
contained  the  history  and  revelations  of  Swedenborg,  the  great 
Swedish  ghost-seer.  From  time  to  time,  however,  he  turned 
his  large,  flashing  eyes  toward  the  young  woman,  and  seemed 
to  watch  her  slumber  with  searching  glances. 

The  patient  was  motionless  and  rigid.  A  white,  neat 
negligee  enveloped  her  slender  figure,  which  was  stretched  out 
on  the  bed  without  being  covered  with  a  counterpane.  Her 
small,  beautifully-shaped  hands  were  folded  on  her  breast,  her 
head  was  thrown  back  sideways,  and  rested  on  a  pillow  of 
crimson  velvet,  which  contrasted  strangely  with  her  pale  face, 
and  black  hair,  that  overhung  her  marble  cheeks  in  long 
tresses.  The  clock  was  striking  eight.  The  doctor  cast  a 
quick  glance  on  the  patient,  and  then  slowly  closed  his  book. 
She  began  to  stir  and  opened  her  lips,  from  which  issued  a 
long,  painful  sigh.  At  this  moment  there  was  heard  the  roll 
of  a  carriage  on  the  street.  The  noise  ceased,  the  carriage 
seemed  to  stop  in  front  of  the  house.  The  clairvoyante  shud- 
dered, and  joy  kindled  her  countenance.  "He  is  coming!  he 
is  coming!"  she  said,  in  a  deep,  melodious  voice.  "  I  see  him 
ascending  the  staircase.  He  is  pale  and  exhausted,  and  his 
eyes  are  dim,  for  he  has  slept  but  little.  Government  affairs 
have  kept  him  awake.  Oh,  now  I  am  well,  for  there  he  is!" 

In  fact,  the  door  softly  opened,  and  the  chancellor  cau- 
tiously entered.  By  a  quick  wave  of  his  hand,  he  ordered 
the  doctor  not  to  meet  him,  and  then  approached  the  bed 
softly  and  on  tiptoe. 

The  young  woman  did  not  change  her  position ;  her  eye- 
lashes did  not  quiver,  nor  did  she  open  her  eyes,  and  yet  she 
seemed  to  see  Hardenberg,  for  she  said  in  a  mournful  and 
tremulous  voice:  "Well,  doctor,  was  I  not  right?  Just  see 
how  pale  he  looks,  and  how  the  sweet  smile  with  which  he 
formerly  used  to  come  to  us  is  to-day  very  faintly  playing 
round  his  lips  like  a  little  will-o'-the-wisp!  But  I  told  you 
already  he  has  slept  only  two  hours;  he  had  to  be  so  long 
minister  of  state  as  to  find  scarcely  two  hours'  rest  for  the 
poor,  exhausted  man." 

The  physician  cast  an  inquiring  glance  on  the  chancellor. 
Hardenberg  nodded  smilingly.  "You  are  right,  Frederica," 
he  said.  "  I  was  minister  of  state  all  day  long  yesterday." 

"No,  no,"  she  exclaimed,  "not  all  the  day.  At  the  com- 
mencement of  Marshal  Augereau's  supper  you  were  merry, 


164  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

and  succeeded  in  forgetting  your  onerous  business ;  and  had 
not  the  secretary  of  Count  St.  Marsan  made  his  appearance 
and  brought  the  dispatches,  you  would  have  finished  your 
pheasant's  wing  with  good  appetite  and  in  the  best  of 
spirits." 

The  minister's  face  assumed  an  air  of  astonishment,  and 
almost  of  terror.  "  Ah,"  he  said,  "  it  seems  you  were  present 
at  that  supper?" 

"  Certainly  I  was,  for  my  soul  is  accompanying  you  all  the 
time,  and  my  soul  is  the  eye  of  my  body.  I  see  all  you  do, 
and  know  all  your  thoughts." 

"Well,  then,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling,  "tell  me  what 
you  saw  last  night.  Look  backward,  Frederica,  and  tell  me 
where  I  was,  and  what  I  did." 

"Then  you  doubt  my  words?"  she  asked,  reproachfully. 
"You  want  to  see  whether  I  am  able  to  tell  you  the  truth? 
You  know  that  it  makes  my  eyes  ache  to  look  backward,  and 
that  my  spirit  soars  with  easier  flight  into  the  future  than  the 
past !" 

"Do  so  nevertheless,  Frederica,"  said  Hardenberg,  imperi- 
ously. "I  wish  you  to  do  so!"  He  laid  his  hand  upon  her 
arm,  and  the  contact  made  her  start  as  an  electric  shock. 

"I  will  obey,"  she  whispered,  in  an  humble  tone.  "I  see 
you  sitting  at  the  table  of  Marshal  Augereau.  You  are  in 
excellent  spirits;  you  are  just  telling  the  marshal  that  the 
betrothed  of  the  crown  prince  with  a  princess  of  the  house  of 
Napoleon  will  take  place  before  long;  Count  Narbonne  is 
complaining  of  the  political  conversations  with  which  you 
are  spicing  the  supper  in  too  piquant  a  manner ;  dispatches 
arrive  and  disturb  your  mirth." 

"From  whom  do  these  dispatches  come?"  asked  Harden- 
berg. 

"From  Marshal  Macdonald,  who  addressed  them  to  the 
French  ambassador,  Count  St.  Marsan." 

"  Do  you  know  their  contents?" 

"  I  am  reading  them.  There  is,  in  the  first  place,  a  letter 
from  General  York — " 

"Hush!"  interrupted  Hardenberg;  "we  will  speak  of  that 
hereafter ;  do  not  allude  to  it  now.  Tell  me  what  else  I  did 
last  night." 

"After  reading  the  dispatches,  you  hastened  to  the  king  to 
inform  him  of  the  dreadful  news.  Scarcely  had  you  been 
with  him  for  a  few  minutes,  when  a  courier  from  General 


THE  CLAIRVOYANTE.  105 

York  arrived  and  delivered  dispatches  concerning  the  same 
subject  to  which  the  others  had  referred.  After  a  protracted 
interview  with  the  king,  you  went  to  the  French  ambassador, 
and  informed  him  of  the  sentiments  and  resolutions  of  his 
majesty.  The  count  declared  himself  satisfied  with  what  you 
told  him,  and  you  then  hastened  back  to  the  king.  You 
there  met  Major  Natzmer,  whom  the  king  intended  to  dis- 
patch as  a  courier  to  Murat  and  General  York.  You  entered 
the  king's  room  and  had  another  protracted  interview  with 
him.  Thereupon  you  returned  to  your  residence." 

"With  whom  did  I  speak  there  first  of  all?" 

The  clairvoyante  was  silent  for  a  moment.  "  I  do  not  see 
it,"  she  said,  "  the  night  is  so  dark." 

"  Open  your  eyes  until  you  see!" 

"Ah,  I  see  now!"  she  exclaimed.  "Your  excellency  spoke 
with  old  Conrad.  He  accompanied  you  to  your  bedroom  and 
handed  you  two  letters." 

"She  is  right,"  muttered  the  chancellor,  loudly  enough  to 
be  heard  by  the  young  woman  and  the  physician.  "  Yes,  she 
is  right;  it  is  all  precisely  as  she  says."  He  then  asked 
aloud :  "  Did  I  speak  with  any  one  else  than  Conrad?" 

"No,"  she  said;  "I  do  not  see  anybody  else.  Conrad  told 
you  that  I  would  open  the  eyes  of  my  soul  and  see  at  eight 
o'clock  this  morning.  You  ordered  him  to  awaken  you  at 
seven  o'clock,  and  went  to  bed." 

"What  did  I  do  before  falling  asleep?" 

"  You  read  the  two  little  notes,"  she  said,  with  a  coy  smile. 

The  chancellor  turned  his  eyes  toward  the  physician,  who 
witnessed  this  scene  in  silent  and  solemn  earnestness.  "  Doc- 
tor Binder,"  he  said,  "  all  that  this  young  lady  told  me  just 
now  is  strictly  true.  All  my  doubts  are  henceforth  dispelled, 
and  from  this  hour  I  am  one  of  the  believers.  No;  I  say  this 
is  no  deception,  no  imposition ;  it  is  a  mystery  of  nature,  which 
I  am  unable  to  explain,  but  in  which  I  am  compelled  to  be- 
lieve. It  is  given  to  this  young  lady  to  look  with  the  eyes  of 
her  soul  into  the  past,  as  well  as  into  the  future,  and  to  per- 
ceive and  penetrate  the  most  secret  things.  I  believe  in  her, 
and  shall  henceforth  allow  myself  to  be  directed  and  in- 
structed by  her  revelations.  I  thank  you  for  having  brought 
this  wonderful  girl  to  my  notice,  and  you  may  always  count 
on  my  heart-felt  gratitude." 

"  Belief  in  the  high  art  of  my  science  and  doctrines  is  the 
only  gratitude  I  am  yearning  for,  and  my  only  desire  is  not 


166  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

to  be  prevented  from  healing  poor  patients  and  making  suffer- 
ing humanity  happy  by  my  holy  science." 

"  No  one  shall  be  allowed  to  prevent  you  from  doing  so  as 
long  as  /am  minister,  I  pledge  you  my  word,"  said  Harden- 
berg,  gravely.  "  Take  heart,  therefore,  and  do  not  be  afraid. 
I  am  your  disciple,  and  at  the  same  time  your  protector.  But 
now  grant  me  a  request:  I  should  like  to  put  to  our  charm- 
ing seer  yet  a  few  questions  in  regard  to  last  night's  events. 
She  shall,  in  her  inspired  and  prophetic  prescience,  give  me 
her  advice  and  tell  me  what  course  I  must  pursue;  but,  in 
doing  so,  I  shall  have  to  allude  to  state  secrets,  and  to  speak 
of  affairs  which  no  one  is  allowed  to  know  but  the  king  and 
his  ministers,  and — " 

"  I  pray  your  excellency  to  permit  me  to  leave  you  alone  with 
our  young  seer,"  interrupted  Doctor  Binder,  with  a  polite 
smile.  "  I  have  to  see  several  patients,  and  my  presence  is 
required  at  the  'Hall  of  Crises'  below,  for  my  two  young 
assistants  are  scarcely  able  to  restrain  our  female  patients 
when  the  crisis  sets  in." 

"Go,  then,  to  your  patients,"  said  Hardenberg;  "I  shall 
stay  here  with  our  clairvoyante  until  she  awakes." 

"If  }rour  excellency  needs  any  thing,"  said  the  doctor,  ap- 
proaching the  door,  "  it  will  only  be  necessary  for  you  to 
ring  the  bell;  the  nurse  is  in  the  reception-room,  and  will 
immediately  call  my  assistants." 

He  bowed  to  Hardenberg,  bent  once  more  with  a  searching 
glance  over  the  couch  of  his  patient,  drew  with  his  hands  a 
few  circles  over  her  head,  and  left  the  room  with  noiseless 
steps.  The  chancellor  and  the  clairvoyante  were  alone. 


CHAPTER     XVIII. 

AN    ADVENTURESS. 

WHEN  the  physician  left  the  room,  the  chancellor  returned 
to  the  bedside  of  the  young  woman;  her  position  was  the 
same,  and  her  eyes  were  still  closed.  She  did  not  see,  there- 
fore, the  sarcastic  smile  with  which  Hardenberg  looked  down 
upon  her,  or  the  proud,  triumphant  expression  that  was  beam- 
ing from  his  eyes.  Hers  were  closed,  and,  notwithstanding 
her  clairvoyance,  she  saw  nothing,  nor  did  Hardenberg's  voice 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  16? 

betray  to  her  aught  of  the  expression  of  his  countenance  or  the 
character  of  his  thoughts. 

"Frederica,"  he  said,  in  his  soft,  gentle  voice,  "speak  to 
me  now,  my  seer ;  be  my  prophetess  now,  and  let  me  see  the 
future.  Tell  me  what  I  must  do  in  order  to  reconcile  all 
these  dissensions,  and  harmonize  all  these  clashing  interests. 
On  which  side  is  justice,  prosperity,  and  peace?" 

"  On  the  side  of  the  great  man  whose  gigantic  strength  has 
lifted  the  world  out  of  its  hinges,  and  given  it  a  new  aspect," 
she  said,  gravely.  "Stand  faithfully  by  the  alliance  with 
France,  unless  you  wish  the  crown  to  fall  from  the  head  of 
your  king,  and  Prussia  to  be  divided  into  two  provinces,  one 
annexed  to  the  kingdom  of  Westphalia,  and  the  other  to  the 
duchy  of  Warsaw." 

"But  will  France  then  still  have  power  to  do  so?"  asked 
Hardenberg ;  "  is  not  France  herself  on  the  brink  of  the  abyss 
into  which  she  has  hurled  all  states,  princes,  and  crowns?" 

"France  is  as  powerful  to-day  as  she  ever  was,"  responded 
the  seer.  "  New  armies  at  the  beck  of  Napoleon  will  spring 
from  the  ground,  his  military  chests  will  be  filled  with  new 
millions,  and  the  invincible  chieftain  will  lead  his  legions  to 
new  victories.  Woe  then  to  Prussia  if  she  proves  faithless — 
woe  to  her,  if,  in  insensate  infatuation,  she  turns  her  back 
upon  France,  and  allows  herself  to  listen  to  the  insinuations 
and  promises  by  which  Eussia  is  trying  to  gain  her  over  to  her 
side !  Eussia  herself  is  weak  and  exhausted ;  she  will  be  un- 
able to  afford  Prussia  any  adequate  support.  Be  on  your 
guard!  Eussia  has  always  been  a  perfidious  ally;  she  has 
always  crushed  the  hand  of  her  allies  in  her  grasp,  while  seem- 
ingly giving  a  pledge  of  her  good  faith.  France  alone  is 
offering  to  Prussia  substantial  guaranties  of  peace ;  Napoleon 
alone  must  remain  the  protector  of  Prussia.  Banish,  there- 
fore, the  insidious  thoughts  that  are  troubling  your  soul;  try 
no  longer  to  dissuade  the  king  from  adhering  to  the  alliance. 
Do  not  try  to  persuade  him  to  approve  York's  defection !  He 
is  a  traitor,  whose  head  must  fall ;  for  such  is  the  decree  of 
the  laws  of  war.  To  approve  his  defection  is  to  throw  down 
the  gauntlet  to  France,  and  annihilate  Prussia!" 

"You  have  played  your  part  to  perfection!"  exclaimed 
Hardenberg,  laughing.  "  Please  accept  my  sincere  congratu- 
lations, my  dear  child;  the  greatest  actress  in  the  world  could 
not  perform  her  role  any  better  than  you  have  done  to-day, 
and  ever  since  I  became  acquainted  with  you," 


168  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

At  the  first  words  of  the  chancellor,  the  clairvoyante  gave  a 
violent  start ;  a  tremor  pervaded  her  whole  frame,  and  a  deep 
blush  suffused  her  cheeks  for  a  moment;  but  all  this  quickly 
passed  away,  and  now  she  was  again  as  rigid  and  motionless 
as  she  was  before. 

Hardenberg's  eyes  were  fixed  on  her.  "  You  do  not  desire 
to  understand  me,  Frederica,"  he  said.  "Well,  then,  I  will 
speak  somewhat  more  lucidly.  Will  you  permit  me  to  ask 
two  additional  questions?" 

"  You  know  very  well  that  I  must  reply  when  your  soul 
commands  me  to  do  so,"  said  the  young  woman,  in  a  perfectly 
calm  voice,  "  for  your  soul  has  power  over  mine,  and  I  must 
obey  it." 

"  Well,  then — my  first  question :  did  I  really,  last  night,  on 
returning  to  my  residence,  speak  with  no  one  but  old  Conrad? 
Was  no  one  but  he  in  my  room  until  I  went  to  bed?  Look 
sharp,  open  the  eyes  of  your  soul  as  wide  as  you  can,  and  then 
reply!" 

"I  see,"  she  said,  after  a  pause;  "but  I  see  that  you  were 
alone  with  Conrad,  and  with  the  thoughts  of  a  lady  who  loves 
you." 

"I  am  very  glad  that  you  tell  me  so,"  said  Hardenberg, 
calmly,  "  for  I  understand  from  it  that  my  enemies,  who  are 
furnishing  you  with  correct  reports  as  to  all  my  doings,  have 
yet  remained  ignorant  of  an  affair  in  which  I  was  engaged  last 
night.  For  there  really  was  another  person  with,  me,  and 
your  patrons  would  give  a  great  deal  to  find  out  what  instruc- 
tions I  gave  to  that  person.  Now,  as  to  my  second  question; 
but  I  hope  you  hear  my  words,  ma  touts  belle,  and  have  not 
yet  passed  from  an  unnatural  sleep  into  a  natural  one!" 

"  I  hear  you,  and  I  am  ready  to  answer  if  your  soul  com- 
mands me." 

"Well,  then,"  said  Hardenberg,  bending  over  her,  and  fix- 
ing his  piercing  eyes  upon  her  countenance,  "  my  question  is 
this :  How  much  do  your  protectors  give  you  for  playing  the 
part  which  you  performed  before  me?" 

A  pause  ensued.  Suddenly  the  clairvoyante  opened  her 
eyes,  gazing  with  an  indescribable  expression  on  the  face  of 
the  minister  still  bending  over  her. 

"They  give  me  nothing,  "she  said,  in  a  firm,  sonorous  voice, 
"but  the  hope  of  acquiring  a  brilliant  position  in  the  future." 

"You  confess,  then,  that  you  have  played  a  considerable 
farce?"  asked  Chancellor  von  Hardenberg,  smiling. 


VON  HARDENBURG  AND  THE  ADVENTURESS. 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  169 

"  I  confess  that  I  have  played  my  part  very  badly,  and  that 
your  eagle  eye  is  able  to  penetrate  every  thing.  I  confess 
that  I  adore  you  for  having  unmasked  me,"  she  exclaimed, 
quickly  encircling  Hardenberg's  neck  with  her  arms,  drawing 
his  head  down  to  her,  and  pressing  a  glowing  kiss  on  his 
lips.  Then,  still  keeping  her  arms  around  his  neck,  she 
raised  herself  from  the  couch,  and  leaned  for  a  moment" 
against  the  manly  form  of  the  chancellor. 

Disengaging  herself  from  him,  she  jumped  from  the  bed  to 
the  floor,  and,  spreading  out  her  arms,  and  throwing  back  her 
head,  she  exclaimed  in  a  jubilant  voice:  "I  am  free!  I  need 
no  longer  play  my  irksome  role!  Oh,  I  am  free!" 

Leaping  into  the  middle  of  the  room,  as  light-footed  as  a 
sylph,  and  fascinating  as  one  of  the  graces,  she  began  to 
dance,  raising  her  feet  and  moving  her  arms  in  a  slow,  meas- 
ured manner,  at  the  outset;  but,  turning  more  rapidly,  with 
more  passionate  movement  and  increasing  ardor,  her  counte- 
nance grew  more  glowing  and  animated.  Her  large  black 
eyes  flashed  fire — an  air  of  wild,  bacchantic  ecstasy  pervaded 
her  whole  appearance,  her  cheeks  were  burning,  her  beautiful 
red  lips  were  half  opened,  and  revealed  her  ivory  teeth,  and 
her  uplifted  arms  (from  which  the  wide  sleeves  of  her  negligee 
had  fallen  back  to  the  shoulders)  were  of  the  most  charming 
contour.  Concluding  her  dance,  she  glided  breathless  and 
with  panting  bosom  toward  Hardenberg,  who  had  sunk  into 
the  easy-chair,  and  was  looking  on  with  wondering  eyes. 
Bursting  into  loud,  melodious  laughter,  she  sat  at  his  feet, 
and,  pressing  her  glowing  face  against  his  knees,  looked 
searchingly  and  suppliantly  into  his  eyes. 

"You  are  angry  with  me,"  she  said;  "oh,  pardon  me,  but 
I  had  first  to  give  vent  to  my  exultation.  Now  I  will  be 
quite  sensible." 

"And  what  do  you  call  sensible,  then?"  asked  Hardenberg, 
who,  under  the  power  of  the  woman's  glances,  vainly  tried  to 
impart  to  his  countenance  an  air  of  gravity  and  sternness. 

"  I  call  it  sensible  to  reply  honestly  to  the  questions  your 
excellency  will  put  to  me  now,"  she  said,  in  a  caressing  tone. 

"  Well,  then,  let  us  see  whether  you  are  really  sensible  or 
not,"  said  Hardenberg.  "In  the  first  place,  please  rise." 

She  shook  her  head  slowly.  "  No,"  she  said,  "  I  will  remain 
at  your  feet  until  you  have  heard  my  confession  and  granted 
me  absolution." 

"And  suppose  I  refuse  to  grant  you  absolution?" 
12 


170  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Then  I  shall  die  at  your  feet!" 

"Ah,  it  is  not  so  easy  to  die." 

"  It  L  easy  to  die  when  one  wants  to,  and  has  such  a  friend 
as  this  is,"  she  exclaimed,  drawing  from  her  hair  one  of  the 
two  long  silver  pins  with  which  her  heavy  black  tresses  were 
partially  fastened. 

"Strange  girl!"  murmured  Hardenberg,  surprised,  while 
she  was  looking  up  to  him  with  radiant  eyes,  and  a  smile 
playing  on  her  lips. 

"  Will  you  ask  me  now?"  she  then  said,  gently  and  almost 
humbly.  "  I  am  lying  here  at  your  feet  as  if  you  were  my 
confessor,  and  I  am  longing  with  trembling  impatience  for 
my  absolution. " 

"Well,  then,  tell  me,  in  the  first  place,  who  you  are." 

"Who  am  I?"  she  asked.  "A  cheat,  who,  by  intrigues, 
cabals,  and  cunning,  tried  to  attain  the  object  she  yearned 
for  so  intensely,  namely,  to  lie  at  the  feet  of  a  noble  and 
eminent  man,  as  she  is  doing  now,  and  to  tell  him  that  she 
loves  him.  Who  am  I?  An  adventuress,  who  has  gone  out 
into  the  world  to  seek  her  fortune;  to  play,  if  possible,  a 
prominent  part;  to  acquire  a  distinguished  name,  and  to  ob- 
tain riches,  power,  and  influence.  Who  am  I?  A  diver,  who 
has  plunged  with  reckless  audacity  into  the  foaming  sea,  to 
find  at  its  bottom  either  pearls  or  a  grave." 

"  But,  my  child,"  said  Hardenberg,  "do  you  not  know  that 
the  divers,  when  plunging  into  the  sea  to  seek  pearls,  always 
gird  a  safety-rope  around  their  waist  for  the  purpose  of  being 
drawn  to  the  surface  whenever  they  are  in  danger  of 
drowning?" 

"  The  man  who  loves  me  will  be  my  safety-rope  and  draw 
me  up,"  she  said,  gravely. 

Hardenberg  laughed.  "  In  truth,"  he  said,  "  I  must  admire 
your  sincerity  and  naivete.  You  must  be  very  courageous  to 
utter  such  truths  about  yourself." 

"  Certainly,  it  would  have  been  easier  to  play  the  virtuous, 
forsaken,  and  unfortunate  girl,"  she  said,  with  a  contemptuous 
smile.  "  It  would  have  been  less  troublesome  to  throw  myself 
at  your  feet,  bathed  in  a  flood  of  tears,  and  to  say,  'Oh,  have 
mercy  upon  me !  Free  me  from  this  unworthy  role  which  has 
been  forced  upon  me !  Save  me  from  the  torture  of  being 
compelled  to  dissimulate,  to  lie,  and  to  cheat.  Virtue  dwells 
in  my  heart,  innocence  and  truth  are  upon  my  lips.  I  have 
been  forced  to  play  a  part  that  dishonors  me.  Have  mercy 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  171 

upon  me,  save  me  from  the  snares  threatening  me!"  "While 
saying  so,  she  imparted  to  her  features  precisely  the  expression 
that  was  adapted  to  her  words ;  she  had  spoken  in  a  tremulous, 
suppliant  voice,  with  folded  hands  and  tearful  eyes. 

"  Poor  child,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  surprised,  "you  weep, 
you  are  deeply  moved !  Ah,  now  at  last  you  show  me  your 
true  face,  now  you  cause  me  to  see  the  poor,  innocent,  and 
unfortunate  child  that  you  really  are!" 

She  shook  away  her  tears  and  burst  into  laughter.  "No," 
she  exclaimed,  "  I  have  only  proved  to  you  that  I  would  be 
able  to  play  the  virtuous  and  innocent  girl  to  perfection,  and 
that  I  might,  perhaps,  thereby  succeed  in  touching  your  noble 
heart.  But  you  have  commanded  me  to  tell  you  the  truth, 
and  I  have  pledged  you  my  word  to  do  so.  I  tell  you,  then, 
I  am  no  persecuted,  virtuous  girl,  no  innocent  angel ;  I  am  a 
woman,  carrying  a  heaven  and  a  hell  in  her  bosom ;  I  can  be 
an  angel,  if  happiness  and  love  favor  me ;  I  will  be  a  demon, 
if  fate  be  hostile  to  me.  Yes,"  she  exclaimed,  jumping  up 
and  pacing  the  room  in  great  agitation,  "  there  are  hours  and 
days  when  I  myself  believe  that  I  am  a  demon,  an  angel  hurled 
down  from  heaven,  and  doomed  to  walk  the  earth  on  account 
of  some  crime.  There  are  hours  when  heavenly  recollections 
fill  my  imagination,  when  an  indescribable,  blissful  yearning 
is,  as  it  were,  enveloping  me  in  a  veil — when  there  are  re- 
sounding in  my  heart  the  sweetest  and  most  enchanting  notes 
of  sacred  words  and  devout  prayers,  and  when  it  seems  to  me 
as  though  I  were  sitting  in  the  midst  of  radiant  angels,  sur- 
rounded by  luminous  clouds,  at  the  feet  of  God,  His  breath 
upon  my  cheek,  and  looking  down  with  compassionate,  merci- 
ful love  upon  the  world,  lying  at  an  unfathomable  distance 
under  my  feet.  And  then  I  say  to  myself:  'You  have  re- 
viled and  slandered  yourself ;  you  are,  after  all,  a  good  angel ; 
God  is  with  you,  and  prayer,  love,  and  innocence,  are  in  your 
heart. '  Then  it  suddenly  seems  to  me  as  if  my  heart  were 
rent,  and  I  heard  loud,  scornful  laughter.  I  fall  from  my 
heaven;  I  look  around  and  behold  men,  with  their  bitter- 
sweet faces,  smiling  on,  and  lying  to  each  other;  I  see  all 
their  duplicity  and  their  infamy ;  I  laugh  at  my  own  trans- 
ports and  swear  never  to  be  human  with  humanity,  but  a 
demon  with  demons — to  cheat  as  they  cheat,  to  lie,  and  win 
from  them  as  much  happiness,  honor,  and  wealth,  as  I  can 
with  some  mimic  talent,  a  cool  and  sharp  mind,  a  pretty 
figure,  and  an  ugly  face." 


172  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Ah,  you  are  slandering  yourself,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg, 
smiling.  "  You  have  no  ugly  face." 

She  hastened  to  the  looking-glass,  and  gazed  on  herself  with 
searching  glances.  "  Yes,"  she  said,  "  I  am  really  ugly.  My 
mouth  is  too  large,  my  lips  too  full,  my  face  is  angular  and 
by  no  means  prepossessing,  my  nose  is  vulgar,  my  forehead 
too  low  and  too  wide,  these  bushy  eyebrows  become  rather 
a  grenadier  than  a  young  lady,  and  these  large  black  eyes  look 
like  a  couple  of  sentinels,  which,  with  sharp  glances,  have  to 
watch  the  rabble  of  nose,  mouth,  ear,  and  cheek,  lest  one 
should  try  to  escape  from  disgust  at  the  ugliness  of  the  others. 
But  I  do  not  regret  my  want  of  beauty,  for  it  is  uncommon 
and  piquant,  and  I  can  imagine  that  a  gifted,  eminent  man, 
who  is  tired  of  the  pretty  faces  of  so-called  virtuous  women, 
may  feel  attracted  by  my  ugliness.  Beauty  at  least  always 
becomes  tiresome,  for  it  treats  you  at  once  to  all  that  it  is  and 
has,  but  ugliness  excites  your  curiosity  more  and  more  from 
day  to  day,  for,  at  certain  moments,  it  may  be  transformed 
into  beauty!" 

"Your  own  case  shows  that,"  said  Hardenberg,  "for, 
although  you  call  yourself  ugly,  there  is  a  fascinating  beauty 
in  your  whole  appearance." 

She  gazed  on  him  with  a  long  and  radiant  look.  "  You  are 
a  great  man,  a  genius,  and  you  are,  therefore,  able  to  under- 
stand me.  I  will  tell  you  my  history  now,  that  you  may  at 
last  grant  me  the  blessing  of  your  forgiveness." 

"Well,  tell  me  your  history,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg. 
"Come,  Frederica,  sit  down  by  my  side  here  on  the  couch 
on  which  you  have  so  often  reposed  as  a  modern  Pythia,  and 
proclaimed  to  me  the  oracles  which  your  mysterious  priest  had 
whispered  to  you,  Now  you  are  no  priestess  uttering  equivocal 
wisdom,  but  a  young  woman  telling  the  truth,  and  making  me 
listen  to  the  revelations  of  her  heart." 

"A  young  woman,"  she  repeated,  sighing  and  reclining  on 
the  bed  close  to  the  easy-chair  on  which  Hardenberg  was  sitting. 
"Am  I  young,  then?  It  seems  to  me  sometimes  as  though 
I  were  old — so  old  as  no  longer  to  have  any  illusions,  any  hopes 
or  wishes;  as  though  I  were  the  'Wandering  Jew'  who  has 
been  travelling  through  the  world  so  many  centuries,  seeking 
perpetually  for  the  rest  which  he  can  nowhere  find.  But  still 
you  are  right;  I  am  young,  for  I  am  only  twenty  years  old." 

"  And  who  are  your  parents?     Where  do  they  live?" 

"Who  are  my  parents?"  she  asked,  laughing.     "  My  father 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  173 

was  a  holy  man,  a  high-priest  in  the  temple  of  Time.  It  de- 
pended on  him  when  men  were  to  awake  or  sleep,  eat  or  work. 
It  was  his  will  that  regulated  rendezvous  and  weddings,  par- 
ties and  arrests,  and  he  had  no  other  master  than  the  sun. 
He  allowed  the  sun  alone  to  guide  him,  and  still  he  was  no 
Persian!" 

"  But  he  was  a  watchmaker?"  asked  Hardenberg,  smiling. 

"  Yes,  he  was  a  watchmaker,  and,  thanks  to  him,  the  whole 
town  where  he  lived  knew  exactly  what  time  it  was.  Only  my 
mother  did  not  know  it.  She  believed  herself  to  be  a  great 
lady,  although  she  was  only  a  poor  watchmaker's  wife,  but 
was  unable  to  efface  the  recollections  of  her  youth.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  a  French  marquis,  who,  after  gambling  away 
his  whole  fortune  at  the  court  of  Louis  XV.,  had  emigrated 
with  his  young  wife  and  daughter  to  Berlin,  in  order  to  seek 
another  fortune  at  the  court  of  Frederick  the  Great.  But 
Frederick  the  Great  had  already  become  somewhat  distrustful 
of  the  roving  marquises  and  counts  whom  France  sent  to  Ber- 
lin. Marquis  de  Barbasson,  my  worthy  grandfather,  received, 
therefore,  no  office  and  no  money,  and  a  time  of  distress  set 
in,  such  as  he  would  previously  have  deemed  utterly  unlikely 
to  befall  the  descendant  of  his  ancestors.  He  left  Berlin  with 
his  family,  to  make  his  living  somewhere  else  as  a  teacher  of 
languages.  He  travelled  from  one  place  to  another,  and  ar- 
rived at  length  at  a  small  town  called  New  Brandenburg. 
There  he  remained,  for  his  feet  were  weary,  and  his  poor  wife 
was  sick  and  tired  of  life.  Well,  Madame  la  Marquise  de 
Barbasson  died,  and  the  marquis  taught  the  young  ladies  of 
New  Brandenburg  how  to  conjugate  avoir  and  etre;  his 
daughter  assisted  him,  and,  as  she  was  very  pretty,  she  taught 
many  a  young  man  how  to  conjugate  aimer.  But  who  would 
have  thought  of  marrying  the  daughter  of  a  French  adventurer, 
who,  it  is  true,  styled  himself  marquis,  but  was  as  poor  as  a 
beggar!  He  was  unable  long  to  bear  the  privations  and 
humiliations  of  his  life;  he  fled  from  his  creditors,  and  per- 
haps also  from  his  remorse,  by  committing  suicide;  and  his 
daughter,  who  was  twenty  years  of  age  at  that  time,  remained 
alone,  and  without  any  other  inheritance  than  the  debts  of 
her  father.  One  of  the  principal  creditors  of  the  marquis  was 
the  proprietor  of  the  house  in  which  father  and  daughter  had 
lived  for  three  years  without  paying  rent,  or  refunding  the 
small  sums  he  had  lent  to  them.  This  proprietor  was  a 
young  watchmaker,  named  Hahn,  an  excellent  young  man, 


174  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

who  had  given  the  family  of  the  French  marquis  not  only  his 
money,  but  his  heart.  He  loved  the  young  Marquise  de 
Barbasson,  unfortunate,  or,  if  you  prefer,  fortunate  man !  for 
his  courtship  was  successful.  Now,  after  the  death  of  the  old 
marquis,  he  played  the  part  of  an  importunate  creditor,  and 
told  her  she  had  the  alternative  of  paying  or  marrying  him. 
The  young  Marquise  de  Barbasson  married  him,  and  then 
paid  the  poor  watchmaker  in  a  manner  which  was  not  very 
pleasant  to  him.  She  never  forgave  him  for  having  reduced 
her  to  the  humble  position  of  a  watchmaker's  wife,  and 
found  it  disgusting  to  be  obliged  to  call  herself  Hahn,  after 
having  so  long  borne  the  aristocratic  name  of  Barbasson.  How- 
ever that  might  be,  she  was  his  wife,  and  I  have  the  honor 
to  represent  in  my  humble  person  the  legitimate  daughter  of 
Hahn,  the  watchmaker,  and  the  Marquise  de  Barbasson." 

"  And  I  must  confess  that  you  are  representing  your  mother 
and  your  father  in  a  highly  becoming  manner,"  said  Harden - 
berg.  "  You  have  the  bearing  and  the  savoir  vivre  of  a  French 
marquise,  and  from  your  oracular  sayings  I  have  seen  that  you 
are  as  familiar  with  the  time  as  a  watchmaker  is.  But  I  can 
imagine  that  the  descent  of  your  parents  produced  many  a 
discord  in  your  life." 

"Say  rather  that  my  whole  life  was  a  discord,"  she  ex- 
claimed, vehemently,  "  and  that  I  have  lived  in  an  unending 
conflict  between  my  head  and  my  heart,  my  reality  and  my 
imagination.  Oh,  how  often,  when  lying  in  dreary  lone- 
liness, in  the  shade  of  an  oak  on  the  shore  of  the  charm- 
ing lake  near  the  small  town  in  which  we  lived  —  how 
often  did  I  utter  loud  cries  of  anguish,  and  say  to  the 
billows  that  washed  the  shore  with  a  low,  murmuring  sound : 
'I  am  a  French  marquise;  there  is  aristocratic  blood  in  my 
veins;  it  is  my  vocation  to  shine  at  the  courts  of  kings,  and 
to  see  counts  and  princes  at  my  feet!'  Yet  none  but  the 
waves  of  the  lake  believed  my  words ;  men  treated  me  never 
as  a  Marquise  de  Barbasson,  but  only  as  little  Frederica  Hahn, 
daughter  of  a  poor  watchmaker.  I  felt  this  as  a  personal  in- 
sult,'and  at  many  a  bitter  hour  it  seemed' to  me  as  though, 
like  my  mother,  I  hated  my  poor  father  because  he  had  robbed 
us  of  our  brilliant  name  and  our  nobility.  My  father  bore 
my  whims  patiently,  for  he  loved  me,  and  I  believe  he  loved 
nothing  on  earth  better  than  his  daughter.  He  saw  that  I 
was  pining  away  in  the  wearisome  loneliness  of  our  dull  life ; 
he  knew  that  ambition  was  burning  in  my  heart  like  a  torrent 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  175 

of  fire,  and  he  wept  with  me  and  begged  my  pardon  for  being 
a  poor  watchmaker,  and  no  nobleman.  He  did  all  he  could 
to  make  amends  for  this  wrong ;  he  treated  me  not  as  his 
daughter,  but  as  his  superior ;  and,  although  we  were  scarcely 
in  easy  circumstances,  he  surrounded  me  with  all  comforts 
becoming  an  aristocratic  young  lady.  I  had  my  servants,  my 
own  room,  a  tolerably  fashionable  toilet,  a  piano,  a  small 
library;  and  my  father  was  proud  of  being  able  to  have  me 
instructed  by  the  best  and  most  expensive  teachers,  and  of 
hearing  that  I  was  their  most  industrious  and  talented  pupil. 
But  what  good  did  all  this  do  me?  I  remained  what  I  was — 
Frederica  Hahn,  the  watchmaker's  daughter — and  the  blood 
of  the  Barbassons  revolted  against  my  position  in  life ;  and 
the  marquises  and  viscounts,  my  distinguished  ancestors,  ap- 
peared to  my  inward  eye,  and  seemed  to  beckon  me  and  call 
me  to  the  proud  castles  which  had  formerly  belonged  to  our 
family.  But  how  should  I  get  thither? — how  escape  from  my 
small  native  town? — how  rid  myself  of  the  burden  of  my 
name  and  my  birth?  That  was  the  question  which  put  my 
brain  night  and  day  on  the  rack,  and  to  which  my  intellect 
was  unable  to  make  a  satisfactory  reply.  An  accident,  how- 
ever, came  to  my  assistance." 

"Ah,  in  truth,  I  am  anxious  to  hear  this,"  exclaimed  Har- 
denberg,  "  for  I  am  listening  to  you  in  breathless  suspense, 
and  am  as  eager  to  learn  the  conclusion  of  your  history  as 
though  it  were  the  denouement  of  a  drama.  An  accident, 
then,  furnished  you  with  a  reply,  my  beautiful  Marquise  de 
Barbasson?" 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  and  never  shall  I  forget  the  day  and 
the  hour.  It  was  on  a  beautiful  day  last  autumn.  As  I  was 
in  the  habit  of  doing  every  day,  I  had  gone  with  my  book 
into  the  forest  on  the  shore  of  the  lake.  I  lay  in  my  favorite 
place  under  a  large  oak,  in  the  dark  foliage  of  which  the  birds 
were  singing,  while  the  waves  of  the  lake  at  my  feet  were  a 
sweet  accompaniment.  I  was  reading  the  lately  published 
poetry  of  my  favorite  bard,  Goethe,  and  had  just  finished 
'The  Wandering  Fool.'  This  poem  struck  my  heart  as  light- 
ning. I  dropped  the  book,  looked  up  to  the  clouds  and 
shouted  to  them:  'What  are  you  but  wandering  fools!  Oh, 
take  me  with  you!'  But  the  clouds  did  not  reply  to  me; 
they  passed  on  in  silence,  and  my  sad  eyes  turned  to  the  lake 
extended  before  me  like  a  polished  mirror,  and  mingling  with 
the  blue  mists  of  the  horizon,  and  I  said  to  the  murmuring 


176  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

waves,  as  I  had  said  to  the  clouds:  'Take  me  with  you,  wan- 
dering fools!  I  am  suffocating  in  my  captivity!  I  must 
leave  this  small  town;  it  is  a  prison — an  open  grave!'  At 
this  moment,  the  oak  above  me  shook  its  foliage;  a  wind 
drove  the  waves  faster,  until  they  broke  on  the  shore ;  and  a 
sheet  of  paper,  which  some  wanderer  might  have  lost,  was 
blown  toward  me.  I  took  it,  and  suddenly  the  wind  was 
silent  as  though  it  had  accomplished  its  mission;  the  oak 
stirred  no  more,  the  lake  was  tranquil,  and  even  the  clouds 
seemed  to  pause  and  look  on  while  I  unfolded  and  read  the 
paper. " 

"  Oh,  I  imagine  what  it  was!  exclaimed  Hardenberg.  "  A 
love-letter  from  one  of  your  admirers,  who  knew  that  the 
beautiful  nymph  of  the  lake  had  selected  that  spot  for  her 
sanctuary." 

"  Ah,  you  do  not  imagine  very  well,  your  excellency.  It 
was  no  love-letter,  but  a  newspaper !  It  was  a  copy  of  your 
dear,  venerable  VossiscJie  Zeitung.*  I  read  it  at  first  very 
carelessly,  but  suddenly  I  noticed  an  article  from  Berlin, 
which  excited  my  liveliest  attention.  It  alluded  to  the  strange 
cures  performed  by  Doctor  Binder,  a  magnetizer.  It  related 
that  many  sufferers  came  to  Berlin  from  distant  cities  to  be 
cured  by  the  doctor,  whose  whole  treatment  consisted  of  lay- 
ing his  hands  and  fixing  his  eyes  on  his  patients.  It  dwelt 
especially  upon  the  adventures  of  a  young  woman  whose 
strange  disease  had  riveted  the  attention  of  all  Berlin,  and 
who,  in  consequence  of  the  doctor's  treatment,  had  become  a 
clairvoyante.  It  said  that  the  truly  wonderful  sayings  and  pre- 
dictions of  the  young  woman  were  creating  the  greatest  sensa- 
tion, and  that  even  ministers  and  distinguished  functionaries 
were  visiting  Doctor  Binder's  'Hall  of  Crises,'  in  order  to  lis- 
ten and  put  questions  to  the  clairvoyante." 

"Ah,  that  was  little  Henrietta  Meyer,  who  died  a  few 
months  ago,"  said  Hardenberg. 

"  Yes,  she  was  so  accommodating  as  to  die  .and  make  room 
for  me,"  exclaimed  Frederica,  smiling.  "When  I  had  read 
this  article  about  her,  it  seemed  to  me  as  though  a  veil  dropped 
from  my  eyes,  and  I  were  only  now  able  to  descry  my  future 
distinctly.  I  jumped  up  and  uttered  a  single  loud  cry  that 
sped  over  the  lake  like  a  storm -bird,  and  was  repeated  many 
times  by  the  distant  echo.  Thereupon  I  ran  back  to  town,  as 
if  carried  on  the  wings  of  the  wind.  The  men  on  the  streets, 

*  The  Voasische  Zeitung,  one  of  the  oldest  Berlin  newspapers,  is  still  published. 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  177 

who  saw  me  running  past,  gazed  wonderingly  after  me. 
Some  of  them  hailed  and  tried  to  speak  to  me,  but  I  took  no 
notice  of  them,  ran  on,  reached  at  last  the  humble  dwelling 
of  my  parents,  and  there  I  fell  panting  and  senseless.  They 
lifted  me  up,  and  carried  me  to  my  bed.  I  lay  on  it  motion- 
less, and  with  dilated  eyes.  No  one  knew  my  thoughts,  or 
heard  the  voices  whispering  in  my  breast  and  ominously  laugh- 
ing. I  stared  upward,  and  matured  my  plan  of  operations. 
My  poor  father  sat  all  night  long  at  my  bedside,  weeping  and 
imploring  me  to  look  at  him,  and  tell  him  only  by  a  single 
word,  a  single  syllable,  that  I  recognized  him.  My  tongue 
remained  silent,  but  my  eyes  were  able  to  glance  at  and  greet 
the  poor  man.  But  why  tell  you  all  the  particulars  of  my 
wonderful  disease?  In  short,  all  my  limbs  were  paralyzed, 
and  even  my  mind  seemed  affected  and  confused.  I  could  eat 
and  sleep,  but  I  was  unable  to  rise,  and  could  not  utter  a 
word.  The  physicians  of  our  small  town  tried  all  the  reme- 
dies of  their  science  to  cure  me.  In  vain!  I  remained 
dumb.  Only  once,  four  weeks  afterward,  I  recovered  the 
power  of  speech.  It  was  in  the  night-time,  and  no  one  was 
with  me  but  my  poor  father,  who  passed  nearly  every  night  at 
my  bedside,  always  hoping  for  a  moment  when  I  might  get 
better — when  the  spell  would  leave  my  tongue,  and  the  power 
of  speech  be  restored.  This  moment  had  come  now;  I  inti- 
mated it  to  my  father  with  my  eyes,  stared  at  him,  and  said  in 
a  slow  and  solemn  voice,  'Doctor  Binder,  at  Berlin,  is  alone 
able  to  cure  me!" 

"Ah,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  drawing  a  deep  breath,  "I 
give  you  permission  to  laugh  at  me.  I  was  just  as  foolish  as 
your  father  was.  Up  to  this  time  I  believed  in  the  reality  of 
your  sickness,  and  felt  quite  anxious  and  alarmed.  The  words 
you  uttered  during  that  night  quiet  me  again,  and  illuminate 
the  gloom,  like  a  welcome  miner's  lamp  in  a  deep  shaft.  I 
hope,  however,  that  they  did  not  exert  the  same  effect  upon 
your  father." 

"  No,  your  excellency,  fortunately  they  did  not,  and  the 
proof  of  it  is  that  I  rode,  a  week  afterward — in  a  comfortable 
carriage,  and  accompanied  by  my  father — to  Berlin,  to  place 
myself  under  the  treatment  of  Doctor  Binder." 

"  Did  the  doctor  promise  to  cure  you?" 

"  He  gave  me  hopes  at  least  that  he  would  be  able  to  do  so, 
and,  after  accepting  three  months'  pay  in  advance,  received 
me  into  his  house,  and  the  cure  commenced.  I  willingly  sub- 


178  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

mitted  to  his  piercing  glances  and  to  his  laying-on  of  hands. 
I  was  so  obliging  as  to  fall  asleep,  and  scarcely  three  days 
elapsed  when  I  began  already  to  become  slightly  clairvoyant. 
The  doctor  was  himself  surprised  at  the  rapid  effect  of  his 
cure;  he  informed  some  of  his  distinguished  patrons  of  the 
presence  of  a  new  clairvoyante  at  his  house,  and  invited  them 
to  witness  my  next  awakening.  Among  these  patrons  were 
some  influential  courtiers,  Prince  Hatzfeld  and  Field-Marshal 
Kalkreuth.  I  had  been  told  that  these  gentlemen  were  the 
most  zealous  adherents  of  the  French  alliance,  and  the  most 
ardent  admirers  of  Napoleon.  It  was  but  natural,  there- 
fore, that  when  I  became  clairvoyant  on  that  day,  in  the 
presence  of  these  gentlemen,  I  was  the  enraptured  prophetess 
of  a  golden  future  for  Prussia,  provided  we  maintained  the 
alliance  with  France.  The  two  courtiers  were  visibly  sur- 
prised and  delighted  at  my  prophecies;  and  when  the  doctor 
had  left  the  room  for  a  moment,  I  heard  Prince  Hatzfeld  say 
to  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth,  'Ah,  I  wish  Hardenberg  were 
here,  and  beard  the  predictions  of  this  wonderful  girl!  He 
believes  in  clairvoyance,  and  her  words,  therefore,  would 
make  a  profound  impression  upon  him !'  'We  must  try  to  have 
him  brought  hither,'  said  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth;  'we 
must  try  to  influence  the  stubborn  fellow  in  this  way. ' ' 

"That  was  a  very  clever  idea,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling; 
"  I  almost  envy  those  gentlemen  their  very  pretty  intrigue. 
They  then  made  offers  to  you,  did  they  not?" 

"No,  I  made  offers  to  them." 

"  How  so?" 

"  Listen  to  me.  When  the  gentlemen  left,  and  I  was  again 
alone  with  the  doctor,  I  suddenly  awoke  from  my  trance; 
rising  from  my  couch,  I  stepped  up  to  him,  and  made  him  a 
respectful  obeisance.  He  looked  at  me  in  dismay,  and  seemed 
paralyzed  with  stupefaction,  for  you  know  all  my  limbs  were 
palsied,  and  I  could  only  move  my  tongue.  'My  dear  doc- 
tor,' I  said,  very  calmly,  'I  hope  I  have  proved  to  you  now 
that  I  am  possessed  of  considerable  talent  as  an  actress,  and 
that  I  am  as  well  versed  in  playing  my  part  as  you  are  in 
yours.  Both  of  us  try  to  obtain  fame  and  wealth,  you  as  a 
magnetizer,  I  as  a  clairvoyante,  and  we  stand  mutually  in 
need  of  each  other.  You  are  the  stage-manager,  and  possessed 
of  a  theatre  that  suits  me,  and  I  am  the  leading  actress,  with- 
out whom  you  would  be  unable  to  perform  your  play  in  a 
satisfactory  manner.  Let  us,  therefore,  come  to  an  under- 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  179 

standing  and  make  an  agreement. '  Eli  bien,  your  excellency, 
we  did  come  to  an  understanding;  we  did  make  an  agreement. 
With  a  view  to  a  better  position  that  soon  would  be  accessible 
to  me,  I  remained  temporarily  the  first  actress,  and,  thanks  to 
my  performances,  I  attracted  an  audience  as  distinguished  as 
it  was  munificent." 

"  Now  I  comprehend  every  thing.  You  must  permit  me, 
however,  another  question.  Are  Prince  Hatzfeld  and  Field- 
Marshal  Kalkreuth  aware  that  you  are  nothing  but  an — 
actress?" 

"  By  no  means,  your  excellency.  They  are  so  kind  as  to 
take  me  for  a  bonafide  clairvoyante.  The  doctor  told  them 
that,  by  my  spiritual  connection  with  him,  I  was  compelled 
to  say,  think,  and  do  whatever  he  wanted  and  commanded 
me,  and  that,  if  he  gave  me  my  instructions  while  I  was 
awake,  I  had  to  act  and  speak  in  my  clairvoyant  state  in 
strict  accordance  with  them.  In  this  way  it  happened,  your 
excellency,  that  I  was  used  as  the  fox-tail  with  which  the  elec- 
trical machine  is  set  in  motion — to  make  an  impression  upon 
you,  and  to  cure  you  of  your  hostility  to  France.  The  doctor 
became  the  confidant  of  these  gentlemen,  who  desired  to  cure 
you.  They  surrounded  your  excellency  with  spies,  a  minute 
diary  was  kept  of  your  movements,  and  this  diary  was  brought 
early  every  morning  to  the  doctor,  who  read  it  to  me,  and  we 
agreed  then  as  to  the  manner  in  which  I  should  avail  myself 
of  the  information." 

"  And  dupe  me !"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  laughing.  "  For- 
tunately, I  did  not  allow  myself  to  be  thus  dealt  with,  but 
penetrated  the  handsome  little  swindle  at  the  outset;  yet 
I  made  up  my  mind  to  continue  playing  the  farce  for  some 
time,  because  it  afforded  me  an  opportunity  to  discover  and 
foil  the  intentions,  wishes,  and  schemes  of  my  adversaries. 
But  tell  me  now,  my  pretty  young  lady,  what  would  have 
happened  if  I  had  not  allowed  you  to  perceive  to-day  that  I 
was  aware  of  the  whole  trick?" 

"  In  that  case  I  myself  would  have  disclosed  the  intrigue  to 
your  excellency.  Did  I  not  send  my  young  nurse  twice  to 
your  house  yesterday,  in  order  to  pray  you  to  come  to  me,  if 
possible,  last  night,  because  I  had  important  news  to  com- 
municate to  you?  Did  I  not  write  to  you  that  the  doctor 
would  not  be  at  home  during  the  whole  evening,  and  that  I 
might,  therefore,  communicate  an  important  secret  to  you 
without  being  disturbed?" 


180  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Unfortunately,  I  was  not  at  home,  and  the  supper  at 
Marshal  Augereau's,  which  you  used  so  skilfully  during  your 
pretended  trance,  deprived  me  of  an  hour  of  important  dis- 
closures !  But  suppose  I  had  come,  and  met  you  alone ;  what 
would  you  have  told  me  then?" 

"  Precisely  what  I  tell  you  now.  I  would  have  fallen  down 
before  you  as  I  do  now,  and,  clasping  your  knees  in  this  man- 
ner, would  have  said  what  I  say  now:  'Mercy,  my  lord  and 
master,  mercy!  I  can  lie  and  dissimulate  no  longer  before 
your  noble  face ;  your  eyes  embarrass  me ;  your  smile  over- 
whelms me  with  shame ;  the  farce  is  at  an  end,  and  the  truth 
commences.  The  truth,  however,  is  that  I  adore  you;  that  I 
will  no  longer  unite  with  your  adversaries  against  you ;  that  1 
will  serve  you  and  none  but  you,  and  devote  to  you  my  whole 
life  and  every  pulsation  of  my  heart!''  She  attempted  to 
conceal  her  face,  bathed  in  a  flood  of  tears ;  but  Hardenberg 
softly  laid  his  hands  upon  her  cheeks,  and,  gently  raising  her 
head,  gazed  at  her  long  and  smilingly. 

"What  talent!"  he  said;  " in  truth,  I  admire  you !  It  was 
a  charming  performance.  True  love  and  passion  could  ex- 
press themselves  no  better,  or  surpass  your  imitation. " 

She  arose  from  her  knees  and  looked  at  him  with  eyes  flash- 
ing with  anger.  "  You  do  not  believe  me?"  she  asked,  almost 
menacingly.  "  You  suspect  me,  although  I  have  revealed  my 
heart  to  you  as  sincerely  as  I  have  ever  revealed  it  to  Heaven 
itself." 

" Foolish  girl,  how  can  I  believe  you?"  he  asked.  "Have 
you  not  gone  out  into  the  world  to  plunge  into  adventures, 
and  to  seek  your  fortune?  Have  you  not  dived  into  the  sea 
to  find  pearls?  Can  you  wish  me  to  play  the  agreeable  part 
of  your  safety-rope — that  is  all!" 

"No,  no!"  she  exclaimed,  wildly  stamping  with  her  feet; 
"  that  is  a  vile  slander !  Why  should  I  choose  precisely  you 
for  my  safety-rope? — why  reveal  my  soul  to  you?  Do  you  not 
believe  that  those  gentlemen  who  are  using  me  against  you, 
who  worship  and  admire  me,  would  not  be  ready  to  assist  me? 
But  I  have  rejected  their  homage  and  their  offers ;  I  despise 
and  abhor  them  all,  for  they  are  your  enemies.  I  hate 
France,  I  detest  Napoleon,  for  you  are  opposed  to  the  French 
alliance,  and  you  have  been  reviled  by  Napoleon ;  I  am  long- 
ing for  an  alliance  with  Eussia,  for  I  know  this  to  be  your 
wish,  and  I  have  no  wishes  but  yours,  no  will  but  your  will!" 

"Ah!"  exclaimed    Hardenberg,    laughing,    "this    is    the 


AN  ADVENTURESS.  181 

strangest  political  declaration  of  love  which  woman  ever  made 
to  man!" 

"Great  Heaven!  you  are  laughing!"  she  cried  angrily. 
"You  do  not  believe  me,  then?  How  shall  I  be  able  to  con- 
vince you?" 

"  I  will  show  you  a  way  to  do  so,"  said  Hardenberg,  sud- 
denly growing  very  grave. 

"  Tell  me,  and  I  swear  to  you  that  I  will  try  it!" 

"  Serve  me  in  the  same  manner  as  you  have  hitherto  served 
my  enemies.  Become  the  prophetess  of  my  policy,  as  you 
have  been  the  prophetess  of  the  policy  of  my  opponents. 
Permit  me  to  become  the  prompter  of  the  clever  clairvoy- 
ante,  and  play  now  as  inimitably  against  my  adversaries  as  you 
have  played  for  them." 

Frederica  Hahn  burst  into  loud  laughter.  "  In  truth,  that 
is  a  splendid  idea,"  she  said,  "a  revenge  which  your  excel- 
lency has  devised  against  the  other  gentlemen.  Here  is  my 
hand.  I  swear  to  serve  and  to  be  faithful  to  you  as  long  as  I 
live.  Do  you  now  believe  in  the  truth  of  my  love?" 

"Let  me  first  see  the  actions  inspired  by  this  love,"  said 
Hardenberg,  smiling.  "  I  will  prove  to  you  immediately  that 
I  confide  in  your  head,  although  I  am  not  vain  enough  to  be- 
lieve in  your  heart.  Listen  to  me,  then!  It  is  my  most 
ardent  desire  that  the  king  should  leave  Berlin,  and  be  with- 
drawn from  the  influence  of  the  French.  Prince  Hatzfeld  and 
old  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth,  however,  insist  that  he  remain 
at  Berlin,  and  thereby  manifest  the  adhesion  of  Prussia  to 
the  alliance  with  France.  I  suspect,  nay,  I  might  say,  I 
know,  that  the  king  is  in  danger,  and  that,  as  soon  as  he 
utters  a  free  and  bold  word,  the  French  will  use  it  as  a  pretext 
to  seize  his  person  and  imprison  him,  as  they  have  done 
Charles  and  Ferdinand  of  Spain.  Caution,  therefore,  the 
sanguine  and  credulous  gentlemen;  point  out  to  them  the 
dangers  menacing  the  king  here;  tell  them  that  it  is  the 
bounden  duty  of  his  majesty  to  save  himself  for  his  people ; 
shout  with  your  inspired  and  enthusiastic  voice :  'Go!  Des- 
truction will  overwhelm  you  at  Berlin !  Save  the  king !  Con- 
vey him  to  Breslau!' " 

"  I  will  play  my  part  so  skilfully  that  even  the  boldest  will 
be  filled  with  dismay,"  cried  Frederica,  with  flaming  eyes, 
"  and  that  dear  old  Field -Marshal  Kalkreuth  will  implore  the 
king  on  his  knees  to  leave  Berlin,  and  go  to  Breslau.  But, 
when  I  have  played  this  part  for  you — when  you  have  attained 


182  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

your  object,  and  I  have  given  you  proofs  of  my  fidelity  and 
obedience — will  you  then  believe  that  I  love  you?" 

"We  shall  see,"  he  said,  smiling.  "I  am,  perhaps,  not  as 
wise  as  Ulysses,  and  shall  not  fill  my  ears  with  wax,  but  listen 
to  the  song  f  th/  siren,  even  at  the  risk  of  perishing  in  the 
whirlpool  of  passion.  Let  us  not  impose  upon  ourselves  any 
promises  concerning  the  destiny  of  our  hearts;  but  your 
position  in  the  world  is  an  entirely  different  question.  As  to 
this,  I  must  nak(  you  promises,  and  swear  that  I  shall  fulfil 
them.  You  promise  that  you  will  serve  me,  enter  into  my 
plans,  and  support  my  policy?" 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  I  swear  to  you  that  your  opponents 
themselves  shall  beseech  the  king  to  leave  Berlin,  and  renounce 
France." 

"  Well,  then,  on  the  day  the  king  arrives  safely  at  Breslau, 
you  will  receive  from  me  a  document  securing  you  an  annuity 
on  which  you  will  be  able  to  live  independently  here  at 
Berlin. " 

"And  is  that  all?"  she  asked,  in  a  contemptuous  tone. 
"You  promise  me  nothing  but  money  to  keep  me  from 
starvation?" 

"No,"  said  Harden  berg,  smiling,  "I  promise  you  more 
than  that.  I  promise  that  little  Frederica  Hahn,  the  watch- 
maker's daughter,  shall  be  transformed  into  an  aristocratic 
lady,  and  that  I  will  procure  you  a  husband,  who  will  give  you 
so  distinguished  a  name  that  the  daughter  of  the  Marquise 
de  Barbasson  need  not  be  ashamed  of  it.  Are  you  content 
with  that,  my  beauty?" 

"  Would  it  be  necessary  for  me  to  love  and  honor  the  hus- 
band whom  your  excellency  will  give  me?"  asked  Frederica, 
after  a  pause. 

"Suppose  I  reply  in  the  affirmative?"  asked  Hardenberg. 

"Then  I  answer:  I  prefer  remaining  Frederica  Hahn,  for 
then  I  shall  at  least  have  the  right  to  sit  at  your  feet  and 
worship  you,  and  no  troublesome  husband  will  be  able  to  pre- 
vent my  doing  so." 

"  Well,  then,  my  charming  little  fool,  I  shall  select  for  you 
a  husband  who  will,  like  a  deus  ex  machina,  appear  only  in 
order  to  confer  his  name  upon  you  at  the  altar,  and  who  will 
then  disappear  again.  Do  you  consent  to  that?" 

"  Your  excellency,  that  would  be  precisely  such  a  husband 
as  I  would  like  to  have,  and  as  my  imagination  has  dreamed 
of — a  husband  sans  consequence — not  a  man,  but  a  manikin!" 


THE  TWO  DIPLOMATISTS.  183 

"  I  shall,  however,  see  to  it  that  this  manikin,  besides  hip 
name,  will  lay  at  your  feet  another  splendid  wedding-gift,  and 
a  corbeille  de  noce,  which  will  be  worthy  of  you.  You  accept 
my  offers,  then,  my  friend?" 

"No,  unless  you  add  something  to  them." 

"What  is  it,  Frederica?" 

"Your  love,  your  confidence,  your  belief  in  my  love!"  she 
exclaimed,  sinking  down  at  his  feet. 

"Ah,"  said  Hardenberg,  "let  us  not  be  so  audacious  as  to 
attempt  to  raise  the  veil  that  may  perhaps  conceal  a  magnifi- 
cent future  from  our  eyes!"  * 


CHAPTEK    XIX. 

THE     TWO     DIPLOMATISTS. 

THE  royal  family  celebrated  an  important  festival  at  Pot0  , 
dam  on  the  20th  of  January.  Crown-Prince  Frederick 
William  had  been  confirmed  at  the  palace  church.  In  tb/*. 
presence  of  the  whole  royal  family,  of  all  high  officers  and 
foreign  ambassadors,  the  prince,  who  was  now  seventeen  year? 
of  age,  had  made  his  confession  of  faith  and  taken  an  oath  tc 
the  venerable  and  noble  Counsellor  Sack  that  he  would  faith- 
fully adhere  to  God's  Word,  and  worship  Him  in  times  of 
weal  and  woe.  After  the  ceremonies  at  church  were  over,  a 
gala-dinner  was  to  take  place  at  court,  and  invitations  had 
been  issued  not  only  to  the  members  of  the  royal  family,  but 
to  the  dignitaries  and  functionaries,  as  well  as  the  ambassa- 
dors, who  had  come  over  from  Berlin.  This  dinner,  however, 
was  suddenly  postponed.  The  king  was  said  to  have  been 
unexpectedly  taken  ill.  It  was  asserted  that  the  excitement 
which  he  had  undergone  at  church  had  greatly  affected  his 
nerves,  bringing  on  a  bleeding  at  the  nose,  which  had  already 
lasted  several  hours,  and  which  even  the  most  energetic  reme- 
dies were  unable  to  relieve. 

The  ambassadors  repaired  to  the  palace  in  order  to  ascertain 
more  about  the  health  of  the  king,  and  the  principal  phy- 
sician of  his  majesty  was  able  at  least  to  assure  them  that  his 
majesty's  condition  was  not  by  any  means  alarming  or  danger- 
ous, but  that  the  king  needed  repose,  and  could  not,  accord- 

*  This  scene  is  not  fictitious,  but  based  upon  the  verbal  statements  and  dis- 
closures of  the  lady  who  played  so  prominent  a  part  in  it.— L.  Bl 


184  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ing  to  Ms  intention,  go  to  Berlin  that  day,  but  would  remain 
at  Potsdam,  and,  for  a  few  days,  abstain  entirely  both  from 
engaging  in  public  affairs  and  receiving  visitors.  This  news 
did  not  seem  to  alarm  any  one  more  seriously  than  the  French 
ambassador,  Count  St.  Marsan.  He  left  the  royal  palace  in 
depressed  spirits,  and,  entering  his  carriage,  ordered  the 
driver  in  a  hurried  tone  to  return  to  Berlin  as  fast  as  possible. 
Scarcely  three  hours  elapsed  when  the  carriage  stopped  in 
front  of  the  French  legation,  and  the  footman  hastened  to 
open  the  coach-door.  Count  St.  Marsan,  however,  did  not 
rise  from  his  feet,  but  beckoned  his  valet  de  chambre  to  come 
to  him.  "  Have  no  letters  arrived  for  me?"  he  asked. 

"  Yes,  your  excellency ;  this  was  brought  to  the  legation  a 
few  minutes  since,"  said  the  valet,  handing  a  small,  neatly- 
folded  letter  to  the  count. 

St.  Marsan  opened  the  note  hastily.  It  contained  nothing 
but  the  following  wcrds:  "I  have  just  returned  from  Pots- 
dam. I  am  probably  an  hour  ahead  "of  your  excellency,  for  I 
had  caused  three  relays  to  be  kept  in  readiness  for  me.  As 
soon  as  your  excellency  has  arrived,  I  pray  you  to  inform  me 
of  it,  that  I  may  hasten,  to  you. — H." 

"To  the  residence  01  Chancellor  von  Hardenberg!"  said 
the  count,  putting  the  letter  into  his  breast-pocket,  and 
leaning  back  on  the  cushions.  The  carriage  rolled  away,  and 
ten  minutes  afterward  it  stopped  in  front  of  the  residence  of 
the  chancellor  of  state.  St.  Marsan  alighted  with  youthful 
alacrity,  and,  keeping  pace  with  the  footman  who  was  to  an- 
nounce his  arrival,  hastened  into  the  house  and  ascended  the 
staircase.  At  the  first  anteroom  the  chancellor  met  him, 
greeting  him  with  polite  words  and  conducting  him  into  his 
cabinet.  "You  have  anticipated  me,  your  excellency,"  he 
said ;  "  my  carriage  was  in  readiness,  and  I  only  waited  for  a 
message  from  you  to  repair  immediately  to  your  residence." 

"  It  is,  then,  highly  important  news  that  your  excellency 
will  be  kind  enough  to  communicate  to  me?"  asked  St.  Mar- 
san, uneasily. 

"  On  the  contrary,  I  hoped  you  would  communicate  impor- 
tant news  to  me.  I  cannot  conceal  from  you  that  we  are  all 
in  great  suspense  and  excitement;  and  I  suppose  it  is  un- 
necessary for  me  to  confess  to  so  skilful  and  experienced  a 
diplomatist  as  your  excellency,  that  the  king's  illness  and 
bleeding  at  the  nose  were  mere  fictions,  and  that  his  majesty 
thereby  wished  only  to  avoid  meeting  you." 


THE  TWO  DIPLOMATISTS.  185 

"Indeed,  that  was  what  I  suspected,"  exclaimed  St.  Mar- 
san ;  "  for  the  rest,  every  thing  at  Potsdam  appeared  to  me 
very  strange  and  inexplicable;  I  confess,  however,  that  I  do 
not  comprehend  what  has  aroused  the  king's  indignation, 
and  rendered  my  person  so  offensive  to  him?" 

"What!"  asked  Hardenberg,  with  an  air  of  astonishment. 
"Your  excellency  does  not  comprehend  it?  It  seems  to  me, 
however,  that  this  indignation  is  but  too  well-grounded.  You 
know  the  fidelity  and  perseverance  with  which  Prussia  has 
adhered  to  the  French  alliance;  that  the  king  has  withstood 
all  promises  of  Eussia,  hoAvever  alluring  their  character,  and 
has  proved  by  word  and  deed  that  he  intends  to  remain  faith- 
ful to  his  system,  and  never  to  dissolve  the  alliance  with 
France.  And  now,  when  my  zeal,  eloquence,  and  untiring 
expositions  of  the  utility  of  this  alliance  have  succeeded  in 
rendering  him  deaf  to  all  promises,  and  attaching  his  heart 
more  sincerely  to  France,  you  mortify  and  insult  the  king  in 
so  defiant  a  manner!  Ah,  count,  this  is  to  postpone  the 
attainment  of  my  object  to  a  very  distant  period,  and  to  take 
from  me,  perhaps  forever,  the  order  I  am  longing  for.  For 
how  can  I  keep  my  word? — how  can  I  obtain  the  king's  con- 
sent to  the  betrothal  of  the  crown  prince  with  a  princess  of 
the  house  of  Napoleon,  if  France  treats  him  with  so  little 
deference  and  respect,  and  proves  to  him  that  she  herself  does 
not  regard  the  treaties  which  she  has  concluded  with  Prussia 
as  imposing  any  obligations  upon  her?" 

"But  your  excellency  drives  me  to  despair,"  exclaimed 
Count  St.  Marsan,  "  for  I  confess  to  you  again  that  I  do  not 
comprehend  what  act  of  ours  would  justify  such  grave 
reproaches." 

"  Well,  permit  me,  then,  to  remind  you  of  what  has  hap- 
pened, and  request  a  kind  explanation.  Your  excellency,  I 
suppose,  is  aware  that  the  division  of  General  Grenier,  nine- 
teen thousand  strong,  has  approached  by  forced  marches  from 
Italy  and  occupied  Brandenburg?" 

"Yes,  I  am  aware  of  that,"  said  St.  Marsan,  hesitatingly; 
'•'  but  these  troops  will  rest  there  but  a  few  days,  and  continue 
their  march." 

"  On  the  contrary,"  replied  Hardenberg,  "they  are  destined 
to  remain  in  Brandenburg.  Their  commanders  declare  em- 
phatically that  they  will  be  stationed  in  this  province,  and 
Brandenburg  is  already  so  full  of  French  soldiers  that  I  do 
not  see  how  quarters  and  sustenance  are  to  be  provided  for  an 
13 


186  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

additional  corps  of  nineteen  thousand  men.  Besides,  this 
augmentation  of  the  French  forces  is  contrary  to  the  express 
stipulations  of  the  existing  treaties,  and  it  is,  therefore,  but 
natural  that  this  fact,  which  in  itself  would  seem  to  point  to 
a  hostile  intention,  should  have  excited  the  serious  displeasure 
of  the  king. " 

"  But  the  extraordinary  circumstances  in  which  the  French 
army  has  been  placed  ever  since  the  disastrous  campaign  of 
Eussia,  I  believe  ought  to  excuse  extraordinary  measures," 
said  St.  Marsan,  in  his  embarrassment.  "  His  majesty  the 
Emperor  Napoleon,  on  learning  how  offensive  to  the  king  is 
this  increase  in  the  number  of  troops  stationed  in  the  province 
of  Brandenburg,  will  assuredly  hasten  to  explain  the  necessity 
of  the  measure,  and,  however  late  it  may  be,  request  his  ally's 
consent  to  it." 

"Ah,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg, 'quickly,  "you  admit,  then, 
that  this  reinforcement  in  Brandenburg  is  intended  to  be  per- 
manent? But  I  have  not  yet  laid  all  my  complaints  before 
your  excellency.  I  believe  you  are  aware  that,  according  to 
the  last  convention  between  France  and  Prussia,  no  French 
troops  at  all  are  to  occupy  Potsdam  and  its  environs,  and  that 
they  are  not  to  stay  there  even  for  a  single  night?" 

"Yes;  I  am  aware  of  this  stipulation,  and  believe  it  has 
hitherto  been  carefully  observed." 

"  Hitherto — that  is  to  say,  until  to-day !  But  this  fore- 
noon, at  the  very  hour  we  were  at  church  witnessing  the  con- 
firmation of  the  prince,  whom  you  wish  to  be  as  a  new  tie 
between  France  and  Prussia,  this  stipulation  was  violated  in 
as  incomprehensible  as  mortifying  a  manner.  Four  thousand 
men  of  Grenier's  division  have  marched  this  morning  from 
Brandenburg  to  Potsdam,  and  have  tried  forcibly — do  you 
understand  me,  your  excellency? — forcibly  to  occupy  this 
city.  The  municipal  authorities  vainly  endeavored  to  assure 
them  that  this  was  entirely  inadmissible,  and  it  was  only 
after  a  very  stormy  scene  that  they  succeeded  in  prevailing 
upon  the  troops  to  leave  Potsdam,  and  withdraw  several  miles 
from  the  city.*  If  no  blood  was  shed,  it  was  not  owing  to  the 
disposition  of  your  troops,  but  to  the  prudence  and  moderation 
of  the  Prussian  authorities.  Now,  count,  you  fully  compre- 
hend the  exasperation  of  my  master,  the  king;  and  I  hope 
you  will  give  me  the  satisfactory  explanation  which  he  has 
commissioned  me  to  request." 

*Beitzke's  "  History  of  the  War  of  Liberation,"  vol.  i.,  p.  162. 


THE  TWO  DIPLOMATISTS.  187 

"Your  excellency,"  said  St.  Marsan,  greatly  surprised,  "I 
really  do  not  comprehend  why  the  king  should  be  so  irritated 
at  this  trifling  deviation  from  the  stipulation  of  the  treaties. 
You  yourself  said  it  would  be  impossible  to  find  quarters  and 
sustenance  for  so  large  a  number  of  troops  in  the  province  of 
Brandenburg.  This  fact  involved  the  military  commanders 
in  difficulties,  and  explains  why  they  at  last  thought  of  send- 
ing a  detachment  to  Potsdam,  where  there  are  so  much  room 
and  so  many  vacant  barracks.  We  could  not  suppose  that  the 
king  would  object  to  this,  and  that  the  sight  of  the  brave 
French  soldiers  would  fill  the  ally  of  the  Emperor  of  the 
French  with  feelings  of  displeasure  and  indignation.  But, 
you  see,  the  troops  yielded  to  the  will  of  the  king,  and  left 
the  city." 

"  But  they  remained  near  enough  to  be  able  to  reoccupy  it 
ttt  the  first  signal." 

"  And  does  your  excellency  believe  that  the  French  author- 
ities might  have  occasion  to  call  troops  to  their  assistance?" 
asked  Count  St.  Marsan,  casting  a  quick,  searching  glance  at 
the  chancellor. 

But  Hardenberg's  countenance  remained  perfectly  calm 
and  unchanged ;  only  the  faint  glimmer  of  a  smile  was  play- 
ing round  his  thin  lips.  "  I  do  not  know,"  he  said,  "what 
motives  might  induce  the  French  authorities  to  call  troops  to 
their  assistance,  as  they  are  not  in  a  hostile  country,  but  in 
that  of  an  ally,  unless  it  were  that  they  look  upon  every  free 
expression  of  the  royal  will  as  an  unfriendly  demonstration, 
and  interpret  as  an  act  of  hostility,  for  instance,  the  king's 
determination  not  to  reside  at  Berlin,  but  at  Potsdam,  or, 
according  to  his  pleasure,  in  any  other  city  of  the  kingdom." 

"  The  king,  then,  intends  to  leave  Potsdam  and  remove  to 
another  city?"  inquired  St.  Marsan,  quickly. 

"I  do  not  say  that  exactly,"  replied  Hardenberg,  smiling 
and  hesitating:  "but  I  should  not  be  greatly  surprised  if,  to 
avoid  the  quarrels  between  the  French  and  Prussian  authori- 
ties, and  not  to  witness  perhaps  another  violation  of  the 
treaties,  and  a  repeated  attempt  of  the  French  commanders  to 
occupy  Potsdam,  he  should  remove  to  another  city,  where  his 
majesty  would  be  safe  from  such  annoyances." 

"The  king  intends  to  leave  Potsdam,"  said  St.  Marsan  to 
himself.  He  added  aloud :  "  I  do  not  know,  however,  of  any 
city  in  the  kingdom  of  Prussia  where,  owing  to  the  present 
cordial  relations  between  Prussia  and  France,  there  are  no 


188  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

French  authorities  and  French  troops. — Yes,  it  occurs  to  me 
that,  according  to  the  treaties  concluded  last  year,  there  are 
no  French  troops  in  the  province  of  Silesia,  except  on  the 
military  road  from  Glogau  to  Dresden,  and  that  they  and 
their  auxiliaries  are  expressly  forbidden  to  pass  through  Bres- 
lau.  Breslau,  then,  would  be  a  city  where  the  king  would 
not  run  the  risk  of  meeting  French  troops. " 

"  You  admit,  then,  that  it  is  dangerous  for  the  king  to  meet 
them?  In  that  case  it  would  truly  be  a  very  justifiable  and 
wise  step  for  the  king  to  repair  to  Breslau." 

"It  is  settled,  then,  that  the  king  will  go  to  Breslau?" 
asked  St.  Marsan.  "  Your  excellency  intended  to  be  so  kinc" 
as  to  intimate  this  to  me?" 

"  It  is  settled,  then,  that  the  king  is  in  danger  near  the 
French  troops?"  asked  Hardenberg.  "  Your  excellency  in- 
tended to  be  so  kind  as  to  intimate  this  to  me?  Ah,  it 
seems  to  me  we  have  been  playing  hide  and  seek  for  half  an 
hour,  while  both  of  us  really  ought  to  be  frank  and  sincere." 

"Well,  then,  let  us  be,"  exclaimed  St.  Marsan.  "I  have 
likewise  reason  to  complain,  and  must  demand  explanations. 
What  does  it  mean  that  the  Prussian  government  has  suddenly 
dispatched  orders  to  all  provincial  authorities  to  recall  the 
f urloughed  soldiers  and  proceed  to  another  draft ;  that  artil- 
lery-horses are  bought,  and  a  vast  quantity  of  uniforms  made?" 

"  It  means  simply,  your  excellency,  that  the  King  of  Prussia 
expects  to  be  requested  by  his  ally,  the  Emperor  of  the 
French,  to  furnish  him  additional  auxiliaries,  and  that  he 
hastes  to  make  the  necessary  preparations,  to  be  able  to  com- 
ply at  the  earliest  moment.  These  preparations,  moreover, 
had  to  be  made  in  so  hasty  a  manner,  because,  as  soon  as  the 
Russians  advance  farther  into  the  interior  of  Prussia,  of  course 
both  a  conscription  and  the  recall  of  the  furloughed  soldiers 
would  be  impossible." 

"  But  this  is  not  all.     The  king  yesterday  authorized  the 
minister  of  finance  to  issue  ten  million  dollars  in  treasury 
notes,  to  be  taken  at  par.     What  is  this  enormous  sum  des- 
tined for,  M.  Chancellor?     Why  does  the  king  suddenly  need 
so  many  millions?" 

"You  ask  what  the  king  needs  so  much  money  for?  Sir, 
the  clause  ordering  these  treasury-notes  at  par  would  be  a 
sufficient  reply  to  your  question.  When  a  government  is  un- 
able to  procure  funds  in  any  other  way  than  by  compelling 
its  subjects  to  take  its  treasury-notes  at  par,  it  proves  that  it 


THE  TWO  DIPLOMATISTS.  189 

has  no  credit  to  negotiate  a  loan — no  property  which  it  might 
render  available ;  it  proves  that  not  only  its  treasury,  but  the 
resources  of  the  country,  are  completely  exhausted,  and  that 
it  has  reached  a  point  where  it  must  either  go  into  hopeless 
bankruptcy  or  endeavor  to  maintain  itself  by  palliatives. 
Prussia  has  come  to  this.  Let  us  not  examine  by  whose  fault 
or  by  what  accumulation  of  expenses  and  obligations,  this 
condition  of  affairs  has  been  brought  about;  but  the  fact  re- 
mains, and,  as  the  king  is  unwilling  that  the  state  should  be 
declared  bankrupt,  he  resorts  to  a  palliative,  and  issues  ten 
million  dollars  in  treasury-notes.  In  this  manner  he  obtains 
funds,  is  enabled  to  relieve ^ihe  distress  of  his  subjects,  and  to 
procure  horses  and  uniforms  for  the  new  regiments  to  join  the 
forces  of  his  ally,  the  Emperor  Napoleon.  Does  not  this  ac- 
count for  the  issue?  Are  you  satisfied  with  this  explanation, 
count?" 

"  I  am;  for  I  have  no  doubt  that  your  excellency  is  sincere." 

"Have  we  not  yet  proved  that  we  are  sincere?"  exclaimed 
Hardenberg,  in  a  tone  of  virtuous  indignation.  "Notwith- 
standing all  allurements  and  promises  by  which  Eussia  is  try- 
ing to  gain  us  over  to  her  side,  we  are  standing  by  France — 
and,  please  do  not  forget,  at  a  time  when  she  is  overwhelmed 
with  calamities,  we  give  her  our  soldiers,  and,  the  old  ones 
having  perished,  recruit  and  equip  new  ones  for  her;  we  make 
all  possible  sacrifices — nay,  we  even  run  the  risk  of  making 
the  king  lose  the  sympathies  of  his  own  subjects,  who,  you 
know,  are  not  very  favorable  to  a  continuation  of  this  alliance! 
And  still  France  doubts  the  king's  fidelity  and  my  own  heart- 
felt devotion !  he  entertains  such  doubts  at  a  moment  when 
I  declare  it  to  be  my  chief  object  to  effect  a  marriage  of  the 
crown  prince  with  an  imperial  princess;  and  when  I  have 
already  succeeded  so  far  that  I  believe  I  may  almost  positively 
promise  that  the  king  will  give  his  consent." 

"What!"  exclaimed  St.  Marsan,  surprised.  "The  king 
consents  to  such  a  marriage?" 

"He  will,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling,  "provided  France 
make  the  first  overtures,  secure  him  important  advantages, 
and  raise  the  kingdom  to  a  higher  rank  among  the  states  of 
Europe."  * 

"Oh,  the  emperor,  will  grant  Prussia  all  this,"  said  St. 
Marsan,  joyously.  "  It  is  too  important  to  his  majesty,  when 
*  princess  of  Kis  family  ascends  the  throne  of  Prussia,  that  he 

*  Beitzke,  vol.  i.,  p.  Ic9. 


190  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

should  not  willingly  comply  with  all  the  wishes  of  his  future 
brother,  the  King  of  Prussia." 

"Then  we  are  agreed,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  offering  his 
hand  to  the  count,  "and  all  misunderstandings  have  been 
satisfactorily  explained.  Only  confide  in  us — -firmly  believe 
that  the  system  of  the  king  has  undergone  no  alteration — that 
no  overtures,  direct  or  indirect,  have  been  made  to  Eussia, 
and  that  he  has  rejected  the  offers  which  she  has  made  to 
him.  The  repudiation  of  General  York's  course  is  a  sufficient 
proof  of  all  this.  Only  believe  our  protestations,  count,  and 
entreat  your  emperor  to  dismiss  the  distrust  he  still  seems  to 
feel,  and  which  alienates  the  hearts  of  the  greatest  emperor 
and  the  noblest  king." 

"  I  will  inform  his  majesty  of  the  very  words  your  excellency 
has  addressed  me,  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  emperor  on 
reading  them  will  have  the  same  gratification  with  which  L 
have  heard  them.  Thanks,  therefore,  your  excellency!  And 
now  I  will  not  detain  you  longer  from  enjoying  your  dinner. 
Both  of  us  have  returned  from  Potsdam  without  dining,  and  it  is 
but  natural  that  we  should  make  up  for  it  now.  Therefore, 
farewell,  your  excellency!" 

Hardenberg  gave  him  his  arm,  and  conducted  him  with 
kind  and  friendly  words  into  the  anteroom. 

"Does  your  excellency  think,"  said  St.  Marsan,  on  taking 
leave,  "  that  I  may  venture  to-morrow  to  go  to  Potsdam  and 
personally  inquire  about  his  majesty's  health?" 

"Your  excellency  had  better  wait  two  or  three  days,"  said 
Hardenberg,  after  a  moment's  reflection.  "  By  that  time  I 
shall  have  succeeded  in  overcoming  the  king's  displeasure, 
and  if  the  French  troops  in  the  mean  time  have  made  no  fur- 
ther attempts  to  occupy  Potsdam,  but,  on  the  contrary,  have 
withdrawn  still  farther  from  the  city,  it  will  be  easy  for  me 
to  persuade  the  king  that  the  whole  occurrence  was  a  mere 
misunderstanding.  Have  patience,  then,  for  three  days,  my 
dear  count!" 

"  Well,  then,  for  three  days.  But  then  I  shall  see  the  king 
at  Potsdam,  shall  I  not?" 

"Ah,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  smiling,  "how  can  I  know 
where  it  will  please  his  majesty  to  be  three  days  hence?  The 
king  is  his  own  master,  and  I  should  think  at  liberty  to  go 
hither  and  thither  as  he  pleases,  provided  he  does  not  go  to 
the  Eussian  camp,  and  I  would  be  able  to  prevent  that." 

"It  is  certain,"  muttered  Count  St.  Marsan,  when  he  was 


THE  TWO  DIPLOMATISTS.  191 

alone  in  his  carriage,  "it  is  certain  that  the  king  will  no 
longer  be  at  Potsdam  three  days  hence,  but  intends  to  remove 
secretly,  and  establish  his  court  at  a  greater  distance.  The 
moment,  therefore,  has  come  when  we  must  act  energetically. 
The  troops  have  come  for  this  very  purpose,  and  the  emperor's 
orders  instruct  us,  in  case  the  king  should  manifest  any  in- 
clination to  renew  his  former  alliance  with  Russia,  and  to  break 
with  France,  immediately  to  seize  the  king's  person,  in  order 
to  deprive  the  Prussian  nation,  which  is  hostile  to  us,  of  its 
leader  and  standard-bearer.  Well,  then,  the  orders  of  the 
emperor  must  be  carried  into  execution.  We  must  try  to  have 
the  king  arrested  to-day.  I  shall  immediately  take  the  neces- 
sary steps,  and  send  couriers  to  Grenier's  troops."  The  car- 
riage stopped,  and  Count  St.  Marsan,  forgetful  of  his  dinner, 
hastened  into  his  cabinet,  and  sent  for  his  private  secretaries. 
An  hour  afterward  two  couriers  left  the  French  legation,  and 
shortly  after  an  elegant  carriage  rolled  from  the  gateway. 
Two  footmen,  who  did  not  wear  their  liveries,  were  seated  on 
the  high  box ;  but  no  one  was  able  to  perceive  who  sat  inside, 
for  the  silken  window-curtains  had  been  lowered. 

Chancellor  von  Hardenberg,  after  the  French  ambassador 
left  him,  instead  of  going  to  the  dining-room,  returned  to  his 
cabinet.  Like  Count  St.  Marsan,  he  seemed  to  have  forgotten 
his  dinner.  With  his  hands  folded  behind  him,  he  was  slowly 
pacing  his  room,  and  a  proud  smile  was  beaming  in  his  face. 
"I  hope,"  he  said  to  himself,  "I  have  succeeded  in  reassur- 
ing, and  yet  alarming  the  count.  He  believes  in  me  and  in 
the  sincerity  of  my  sentiments,  and  hence  in  the  fidelity  of 
Prussia  to  France,  and  this  reassures  him ;  but  he  understood 
very  well  the  hints  I  dropped  about  the  possibility  of  the  king 
leaving  Potsdam  and  going  to  Breslau,  and  this  alarms  him. 
He  may,  perhaps,  be  hot-headed  enough  to  allow  himself  to 
be  carried  away  by  his  uneasiness,  and  make  an  attempt  to 
seize  the  king.  If  he  should,  I  have  won  my  game,  and  shall 
succeed  in  withdrawing  the  king  from  his  reach  by  conveying 
him  to  Breslau.  Well,  fortunately,  I  have  a  reliable  agent  at 
the  count's  house,  and  if  any  thing  should  happen,  he  will 
take  good  care  to  let  me  know  it  immediately.  I  may,  there- 
fore, tranquilly  wait  for  further  developments."  At  this 
moment  the  door  opened,  and  Conrad,  the  old  valet  de  cham- 
bre,  entered,  presenting  a  letter  on  a  silver  tray  to  the  chan- 
cellor of  state. 

"From  whom?"  asked  Hardenberg. 


192  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"From  her!"  whispered  Conrad,  anxiously.  '  Her  nurse 
brought  the  letter  a  few  minutes  ago,  and  she  says  it  ought  to 
be  at  once  delivered  to  your  excellency." 

"Very  well,"  said  Hardenberg,  beckoning  to  Conard  to 
leave  the  room.  But  Conrad  did  not  go;  he  remained  at  the 
door,  and  cast  imploring  glances  on  his  master. 

"Well,"  inquired  Hardenberg,  impatiently,  "do  you  want 
to  tell  me  any  thing  else?" 

"I  do,"  said  Conrad,  timidly;  "I  just  wished  to  tell  you 
that  her  excellency  Madame  von  Hardenberg  has  condescended 
again  this  morning  to  box  my  ears,  because  I  refused  to  tell 
her  whither  his  excellency  the  chancellor  went  every  evening. " 

"Poor  Conrad!"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling,  "my  wife  will 
assuredly  pat  your  cheeks  until  they  are  insensible.  There, 
take  this  little  golden  plaster." 

He  offered  a  gold-piece  to  Conrad,  but  the  faithful  servant 
refused  to  accept  it.  "  No,  your  excellency,  I  do  not  wish  it, 
for  I  have  as  much  as  I  need,  and  I  know  that  your  excellency 
will  take  care  of  me  when  I  am  too  old  and  feeble  to  work.  I 
only  intended  to  take  the  liberty  to  caution  your  excellency, 
so  that  you  may  be  a  little  on  your  guard.  Madame  von  Har- 
denberg has  told  her  lady's-maid  that  she  intends  to  follow 
the  chancellor  to-night,  in  order  to  find  out  whither  he  goes, 
and  that  she  then  would  go  in  the  morning  to  the  lady  and 
make  such  a  fuss  as  to  deter  her  from  receiving  your  excel- 
lency any  more.  The  lady's-maid  has  confided  this  to  me, 
and  ordered  me  to  report  it  immediately,  for  you  know  that 
we  all  would  willingly  die  for  you,  and  that  even  the  female 
servants  of  her  excellency  remain  with  her  only  because  they 
love  and  adore  you,  and  because  it  is  a  great  honor  to  belong  to 
the  household  of  a  master  whom  all  Berlin  loves  and  reveres." 

"  I  thank  you  and  the  others  for  your  attachment  and  fidel- 
ity," said  Hardenberg,  nodding  kindly  to  his  old  servant. 
"  Tell  my  wife's  maid  that  I  am  especially  obliged  to  her,  and 
that  I  desire  her  to  continue  serving  me  faithfully.  For  what 
you  all  have  to  suffer  by  the  displeasure  of  my  wife,  I  shall 
take  pains  to  indemnify  you,  particularly  if  you  mention  as 
little  as  possible  to  outsiders  any  thing  about  the  state  of 
affairs  prevailing  in  my  family,  and  the  sufferings  we  all  have 
to  undergo  in  consequence  of  it.  Go,  Conrad ;  be  reticent 
and  vigilant!  I  shall  profit  by  your  advice,  and  my  wife  will 
be  none  the  wiser."  He  nodded  once  more  to  Conrad,  and, 
when  the  servant  left  the  room,  Hardenberg  turned  his  eyes 


THE  TWO  DIPLOMATISTS.  193 

again  toward  the  little  note  which  he  still  held  unopened  in 
his  hand.  He  unfolded  it  hastily  and  read.  It  contained 
only  the  following  words :  "  My  predictions  are  producing  a 
good  effect.  Dear  Kockeritz  is  greatly  alarmed  for  the  safety 
of  his  beloved  king,  and  even  old  Kalkreuth  was  startled  by 
the  terrible  prophecies  of  the  clairvoyante.  I  am  sure  both 
of  them  will  advise  the  king  to  shun  the  danger,  and  transfer 
the  seat  of  government  to  some  other  place.  Heaven  grant 
that  their  words  may  be  impressive,  and  that  we  may  attain 
our  object — for  you,  the  liberty  of  Prussia;  for  me,  the  thral- 
dom of  my  heart !  For  what  else  do  I  wish  than  to  be  your 
slave,  and  to  lie  at  your  feet,  to  narrate  to  you  the  story  of 
my  love?  For  you  I  wish  to  be  an  humble  slave;  for  all 
others,  Diavolezza  Frederica,  the  watchmaker's  daughter — 
and  when  shall  I  become  a  marquise?" 

"It  is  true,"  said  Hardenberg,  smiling,  and  tearing  the 
paper  in  small  pieces;  "it  is  true,  she  is  a  diavolezza,  but  one 
of  the  most  amiable  and  charming  sort,  and  perhaps  ere  long 
I  shall,  notwithstanding  her  deviltry,  consider  her  an  angel, 
and  believe  her  charming  comedy  to  be  entirely  true  and  sin- 
cere. But  this  is  no  time  for  thinking  of  such  things.  The 
grave  affairs  of  life  require  our  exclusive  attention.  Kocker- 
itz, then,  has  been  convinced,  and  even  Kalkreuth  has  been 
shaken  in  his  stupid  belief  in  the  French !  Well,  may  we  at 
length  succeed  in  taking  the  fortress  of  this  royal  heart! — 
Ah,  some  one  raps  again  at  the  door!  Come  in!  What, 
Conrad,  it  is  you  again?  Do  you  come  to  tell  me  that  my 
wife  has  again  boxed  your  ears?" 

"No,"  said  Conrad,  smiling.  "This  time  I  have  to  an- 
nounce a  French  soldier,  who  insists  on  seeing  your  excellency. 
He  says  he  has  found  a  precious  ornament  which  you  have 
lost,  and  for  which  he  would  himself  get  his  reward. " 

"  Well,  let  him  come  in;  we  shall  see  what  he  brings  me," 
said  Hardenberg. 

A  few  minutes  afterward  Conrad  opened  the  door,  and  a 
French  soldier  entered  the  room.  "  Now,  let  us  see  what  you 
have  found,  my  friend,"  said  Hardenberg,  "and  what  you 
bring  back  to  me  before  I  have  missed  it." 

"Your  excellency,  it  is  a  precious  ornament,"  said  the  sol- 
dier; "  but  I  must  give  it  to  you  in  secret." 

''"Withdraw,  Conrad,"  said  Hardenberg,  beckoning  to  the 
servant,  who  had  remained  at  the  door,  and  was  distrustfully 
-and  anxiously  watching  every  motion  of  the  soldier. 


194  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Conrad  obeyed,  but  he  left  the  door  ajar,  and  remained 
close  to  it,  ready  to  reenter  the  cabinet  at  the  first  word  of 
his  beloved  master. 

" Now  we  are  alone.     Speak!"  said  Hardenberg. 

"  Your  excellency,"  whispered  the  soldier,  advancing  several 
steps,  "  the  valet  de  chambre  of  Count  St.  Marsan— that  is 
to  say,  my  brother — has  sent  me  to  you.  He  dares  not  him- 
self come,  for  the  house  of  your  excellency  is  watched  by  spies, 
and  he  would  instantly  be  suspected,  if  he  were  seen  entering 
it.  I  am  to  ask  your  excellency  whether  you  will  give  me 
twenty  louis  d'ors  for  a  letter  from  my  brother  which  I  am  to 
deliver  to  you." 

"This  letter,  then,  contains  highly  important  information?" 

"  Yes,  your  excellency ;  my  brother  says  he  would  let  you 
have  it  at  so  low  a  rate  because  he  had  so  long  been  connected 
with  you,  and  because  you  had  always  treated  him  in  a  mu- 
nificent manner." 

"  Does  your  brother  require  me  to  pay  that  sum  before  I 
have  received  the  letter?" 

"He  said  he  would  leave  that  entirely  to  your  excellency ; 
only  he  thinks  it  would  be  more  advantageous  to  you  to  pay 
the  money  before  reading  the  letter." 

"  How  so,  more  advantageous  to  me?" 

"  Because  your  excellency,  after  reading  it,  would  doubtless, 
in  your  joy  at  having  received  this  singular  and  important 
information,  pay  him  a  larger  sum  than  he  himself  had  asked. " 

"In  that  case  I  prefer  to  read  the  letter  first,"  said  Har- 
denberg, smiling,  "for  I  must  not  allow  your  brother's 
generosity  to  surpass  mine." 

"Well,  then,  your  excellency,  here  is  the  letter,"  said  the 
soldier,  handing  a  small,  folded  paper  to  the  chancellor  of  state. 

Hardenberg  took  it,  and,  as  if  to  prevent  the  soldier  from 
seeing  the  expression  of  his  face  while  he  was  reading  it,  he 
stepped  into  the  window-niche  and  turned  his  back  to  him. 
The  soldier,  however,  fixed  his  lurking  glances  on  the  chan- 
cellor. He  saw  that  a  sudden  shock  made  the  whole  frame 
of  the  chancellor  tremble,  and  a  triumphant  smile  overspread 
the  countenance  of  the  secret  observer. 

After  a  few  minutes  Hardenberg  turned  round  again,  and, 
carefully  folding  up  the  paper,  concealed  it  in  his  bosom. 
"My  friend,"  he  said,  "your  brother  was  right.  Twenty 
louis  d'ors  would  be  too  low  a  price  for  this  letter.  We  must 
pay  more  for  it."  He  stepped  to  his  desk,  and,  opening  one 


THE  ATTACK.  195 

of  the  drawers,  took  a  roll  from  it  and  counted  down  a  num- 
ber of  gold-pieces  on  the  table.  "  Here  are  thirty  louis  d'ors," 
said  Hardenberg,  "  and  one  for  your  trouble.  See  whether  I 
have  counted  correctly.  Tell  your  brother  to  continue  serv- 
ing me  faithfully,  and  furnishing  me  with  reliable  reports. 
He  may  always  count  on  my  gratitude!" 

Scarcely  had  the  soldier  left  the  room,  when  Hardenberg 
drew  the  paper  from  his  bosom  and  glanced  over  it  again. 
"At  length!"  he  exclaimed,  joyously.  "  The  decisive  moment 
is  at  hand!  Now  I  hope  to  attain  my  object!"  He  rang  the 
bell  violently.  "  Have  my  carriage  brought  to  the  front  door 
in  half  an  hour,"  he  said  to  Conrad,  as  soon  as  he  entered  the 
room.  "  But  my  own  horses  are  tired.  Send  for  four  post- 
horses.  A  courier  is  immediately  to  set  out  for  Potsdam, 
and  see  to  it  that  relay  horses  be  in  readiness  for  me  at 
Steglitz  and  Zehlendorf !" 


CHAPTEK    XX. 

THE   ATTACK. 

IT  was  six  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  gloomy  January 
day  had  already  yielded  to  a  dark,  cold  night,  enshrouding 
the  city  and  vicinity  of  Potsdam.  The  king  was,  as  usual, 
to  go  to  Sans-Souci  toward  nightfall.  There,  far  from  the 
turmoil  of  the  world,  he  liked  to  spend  his  mornings  and 
evenings,  retiring  from  intrusive  eyes  into  the  quiet  of  his 
simple  domestic  life.  Like  his  august  grand-uncle,  Frederick 
II.,  the  king  laid  down  his  crown  and  the  splendor  of  his 
position  at  the  gates  of  the  small  palace  of  Sans-Souci,  and, 
at  this  country-seat,  consecrated  by  so  many  historical  recol- 
lections, he  was  not  a  king,  but  a  man,  a  father,  and  a  friend. 
At  Sans-Souci  his  children  gathered  around  him  every  even- 
ing, and,  by  their  mirth  and  tender  love,  endeavored  to  dispel 
the  clouds  from  the  careworn  brow  of  their  father ;  at  Sans- 
Souci,  Frederick  William  received  the  small  circle  of  his  in- 
timate friends — there  old  General  von  Kockeritz,  Field- 
Marshal  Kalkreuth,  Count  Dohna,  Chancellor  von  Hardenberg, 
and  the  few  who  had  remained  faithful  to  him,  were  allowed 
to  approach  without  ceremonial  or  etiquette.  Foreign  guests 
and  court  visitors,  however,  were  never  received  at  the  coun- 
try palace ;  he  saw  them  only  in  the  city  of  Potsdam,  where 


196  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

he  transacted  government  affairs.  Thither  the  king  repaired 
punctually  at  ten  o'clock  every  morning,  where  took  place  tne 
meetings  of  the  cabinet,  the  consultations  with  the  high 
functionaries,  the  audiences  given  to  the  foreign  ambassadors, 
and  the  official  levees,  and  there  the  king  took  his  dinner  in 
the  midst  of  his  family  and  the  officers  of  his  court.  But  as 
soon  as  the  clock  struck  seven  he  entered  his  carriage  without 
any  attendants,  and  drove  out  to  Sans-Souci.  This  had  been 
his  invariable  habit  for  many  years ;  and  when  the  inhabitants 
of  the  street  leading  to  his  country-seat  heard  the  roll  of  a 
carriage  at  that  hour,  they  said  as  positively  as  though  they 
heard  the  clock  striking,  "  It  is  just  seven,  for  the  king  is 
driving  to  Sans-Souci." 

The  coachman,  as  was  his  habit,  as  soon  as  the  clock  struck 
six,  would  harness  two  horses  to  the  plain  carriage  which  the 
king  always  used,  and  generally  drove  up  to  the  small  side-gate 
a  few  minutes  to  seven  o'clock.  Without  giving  any  orders,  or 
uttering  a  word,  the  king  would  enter,  and  noisily  closing  the 
door,  give  thereby  the  signal  to  start.  The  chime  of  the  neigh- 
boring church  had  just  commenced  playing  the  first  part  of  the 
old  hymn  of  "  UebJ  immer  Treu  und  Redlichkeit,"  *  thus  in- 
dicating that  it  was  half-past  six  when  the  carriage  appeared 
at  the  side-gate.  The  wind  was  howling  across  the  palace 
square  and  through  the  colonnade  in  front  of  the  neighbor- 
ing park,  hurling  the  snow  into  the  face  of  the  driver,  and 
lifting  up  the  cape  of  his  cloak  around  his  head,  as  if  to  pro- 
tect him  from  the  cold  and  stormy  night.  Thomas,  the 
king's  coachman,  had  just  removed  with  some  difficulty  the 
large  cape  from  his  face,  and  rubbed  the  snow  from  his  eyes, 
when  he  heard  the  side-gate  open.  A  dark  figure  emerged 
from  it  and  entered  the  carriage,  and  noisily  closed  the  door. 
Thomas  had  received  his  accustomed  signal,  and,  although 
wondering  that  the  king  had  come  fifteen  minutes  earlier  than 
usual,  he  took  the  reins,  whipped  the  horses,  and  the  carriage 
rolled  away  along  the  route  to  Sans-Souci.  The  snow-storm 
drowned  the  roll  of  the  wheels,  and  rendered  the  vehicle 
almost  invisible;  besides,  there  was  no  one  to  take  particular 
notice  of  it,  for  only  here  and  there  some  closely-muffled  per- 
son was  to  be  seen  on  the  street,  too  busy  with  himself — toe. 
much  engaged  in  holding  fast  his  fluttering  cloak  and  pro- 
tecting himself  from  the  driving  snow. 

The  square  in  front  of  the  palace  was  deserted.     The  two 

*  "  Practise  always  truth  and  honesty." 


THE  ATTACK.  197 

sentinels  were  walking  up  and  down  with  slow,  measured 
steps  in  front  of  the  main  portal,  now  looking  up  to  the  brill- 
iantly-lighted windows  of  the  royal  sitting-room,  and  now 
contemplating  the  two  dim  lanterns  which  stood  on  the  iron 
railing,  and  whose  light,  struggling  with  the  storm,  seemed 
about  to  be  extinguished.  The  side-gate  of  the  palace  re- 
mained dark  and  lonely,  but  only  for  a  short  time.  From 
the  side  of  the  market-place  a  carriage  slowly  approached,  and 
stopped  in  front  of  the  palace,  precisely  on  the  same  spot 
which  the  king's  carriage  had  previously  occupied.  The 
coachman  sat  as  rigidly  and  stiffly  on  the  box  as  worthy 
Thomas,  and  the  storm  played  with  his  cloak,  and  threw  the 
snow  into  his  face,  precisely  in  the  same  manner.  A  patrol 
marched  across  the  palace-square,  and  approached  the  senti- 
nels in  front  of  the  main  portal ;  the  usual  words  of  command 
were  heard,  the  guard  was  relieved,  and  the  sentinels  marched 
off,  surrendering  their  places  to  their  less  fortunate  comrades. 
When  they  passed  the  side  of  the  palace  where  the  carriage 
was  to  be  seen,  they  said  to  each  other:  "Ah,  we  are  off 
guard  a  few  minutes  too  early.  It  cannot  be  quite  seven 
o'clock,  for  the  king's  carriage  is  still  waiting  at  the  gate." 
The  driver's  laugh  was  unheard. 

It  was  really  not  yet  seven — the  hour  when  the  king  usually 
left  the  palace.  He  was  still  in  his  sitting-room,  and  his  two 
old  friends,  General  von  Kockeritz  and  Field-Marshal  Kalk- 
reuth,  were  with  him.  A  pause  in  their  conversation  set  in, 
which  seemed  to  have  been  of  a  very  grave  character,  for  the 
faces  of  the  two  old  gentlemen  looked  serious  and  careworn, 
and  the  king  was  pacing  the  room  slowly  and  with  a  gloomy  air. 

"Kockeritz."  he  said,  after  a  pause,  standing  in  front  of 
the  old  general,  who  was  his  most  intimate  friend,  and  look- 
ing him  full  in  the  face,  "you  are  really  in  earnest,  then? 
You  believe  in  the  prophecies  of  the  clairvoyante?" 

"I  confess,  your  majesty,  that  I  cannot  but  believe  them," 
said  Kockeritz,  sighing.  "  Her  words,  her  whole  manner,  all 
her  gestures,  bear  the  stamp  of  truthfulness  to  such  an  extent, 
that  I  would  deem  it  a  crime  against  nature  to  believe  her  to 
be  an  impostor;  she  has,  moreover,  already  predicted  to  me 
the  most  wonderful  things,  and  in  her  trance  read  my  thoughts. 
She  has  looked,  as  it  were,  into  the  depth  of  my  soul,  so  that 
I  cannot  doubt  longer  that  she  really  is  a  prophetess." 

"And  you,  field-marshal — do  you,  too,  believe  in  her?" 
asked  the  king. 


198  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHEK. 

"I  do,  reluctantly,  and  in  spite  of  myself,  but  I  cannot 
help  it,"  said  the  old  field-marshal,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 
"  This  girl  speaks  so  forcibly,  with  such  eloquence  and  such 
fervor  of  expression,  that  one  is  obliged  to  believe  in  her. 
Your  majesty  knows  that  I  have  always  sided  with  those  who 
have  deemed  the  alliance  of  Prussia  with  France  to  be  indis- 
pensable for  the  welfare  and  salvation  of  the  country,  and  that 
I  entertain  the  highest  admiration  for  the  genius,  the  char- 
acter, and  military  talents  of  the  Emperor  Napoleon ;  I  have 
never  concealed  my  conviction  that  Prussia  is  lost  if  your 
majesty  renounce  Napoleon,  and  accept  the  proffered  hand  of 
Russia.  Still,  this  girl  has  filled  me  with  misgivings.  She 
cried  in  so  heart-rending  a  tone,  with  so  impressive  an  anx- 
iety, '  Save  the  king — the  king  is  in  danger !  Leave  Berlin — 
leave  Potsdam! — save  the  king!'  that  I  felt  a  shudder  per- 
vading my  limbs,  and  it  seemed  to  me  as  though  I  saw  already 
the  hand  which  was  raised  menacingly  against  the  sacred  head 
of  your  majesty.  I  certainly  do  not  believe  that  the  Emperor 
Napoleon  has  any  thing  to  do  with  this  danger;  but  some 
officious  man  in  authority,  some  adventurous  general,  might 
strike  a  blow  on  his  own  responsibility,  and  in  the  belief  that 
he  would  gain  the  favor  of  his  emperor,  and  anticipate  his 
most  secret  wishes." 

"And  what  do  you  believe?"  asked  the  king,  moodily. 
"  Tell  me,  Kockeritz,  what  sort  of  danger  do  you  think  is 
menacing  me?" 

"I  do  not  know,  your  majesty,"  said  Kockeritz,  almost 
timidly,  "  but  I  am  sure  there  is  danger,  and  I  would  beseech 
your  majesty  to  remove  the  seat  of  government  to  some  place 
where  you  would  be  safer,  and  where  we  would  not  be  exposed 
to  the  attacks  of  prowling,  reckless  detachments  of  soldiers, 
such  as  we  saw  here  to  our  profound  regret  but  a  few  days 
since.  Your  majesty  ought  to  go  to  Breslau!" 

"Ah,"  exclaimed  the  king,  vehemently,  "Hardenberg  has 
succeeded,  then,  in  gaining  you  over  to  his  views?  You  are 
now  suddenly  of  opinion  that  I  ought  to  remove  to  Breslau?" 

"  Your  majesty,  I  swear  to  you  that  Chancellor  von  Har- 
denberg has  not  even  tried  to  gain  me  over  to  his  views,  and 
that  he  assuredly  would  not  have  succeeded.  I  have  no  politi- 
cal motives  whatever  in  entreating  your  majesty  now  to  go  to 
Breslau,  but  am  actuated  exclusively  by  my  fears  for  your 
personal  safety.  These  troops  of  General  Grenier  have  greatly 
alarmed  me;  their  strange  expedition  to  Potsdam  was  calcu- 


THE  ATTACK.  199 

lated  to  give  rise  to  the  most  serious  misgivings,  and  when  I 
add  to  this  the  prophecies  of  the  clairvoyante,  a  profound 
concern  for  the  safety  of  your  majesty  fills  my  heart,  and  I 
feel  like  imploring  you  on  my  knees  to  leave  Potsdam  and  to 
go  to  Breslau!" 

"  Let  me  join  in  the  request  of  General  Kockeritz,  your 
majesty,"  said  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth,  sighing;  "  I,  who  on 
the  battle-field  never  knew  fear,  am  afraid  of  a  danger  to 
which  I  am  not  even  able  to  give  a  name." 

"  And,  owing  to  these  vague  presentiments,  I  am  to  take  a 
step  that  might  endanger  the  peace  of  my  country  and  the 
existence  of  my  crown!"  exclaimed  the  king,  with  unusual 
vehemence.  "  For,  do  not  deceive  yourself  in  regard  to  this 
point:  if  I  go  to  Breslau,  Napoleon,  who  is  perpetually  dis- 
trusting me,  and  who  is  well  aware  that  my  alliance  with  him 
is  highly  repugnant  to  my  inclinations  and  my  personal 
wishes,  would  deem  it  equivalent  to  an  open  rupture,  and  be- 
lieve I  had  gone  over  to  his  enemy,  the  Emperor  of  Russia. 
But,  what  is  still  worse,  my  country,  my  people,  will  also  be- 
lieve this  to  be  the  case.  Every  one  will  suppose  that, 
although  I  publicly  branded  York's  defection  as  a  crime,  and 
removed  him  from  the  command-in-chief,  I  secretly  connived 
at  what  he  did,  and  that  my  journey  to  Breslau  is  but  a  con- 
tinuation of  York's  plans.  Every  one  will  believe  that  our 
policy  has  undergone  a  change,  and  that  the  alliance  with 
France  is  at  an  end.  It  was  an  eyesore  to  the  people;  and 
if  they  now  believe  themselves  to  be  delivered  from  it,  the 
most  calamitous  consequences  might  ensue.  A  rising  against 
the  French  will  take  place  as  soon  as  I  merely  seem  to  give 
the  signal  for  it." 

"Yes,  that  is  true,"  exclaimed  Kalkreuth;  "your  majesty 
is  right;  it  might,  after  all,  be  dangerous  if  you  suddenly 
leave  the  city  where  you  have  so  long  resided.  It  might  be 
deemed  equivalent  to  a  rupture  with  France,  and  we  are,  un- 
fortunately, too  weak  to  run  so  great  a  risk.  France  is  the 
natural  ally  of  Prussia;  that  is  what  the  great  Frederick  said, 
and  Napoleon  is  also  of  this  opinion.  By  changing  your  sys- 
tem of  policy,  your  majesty  would  only  endanger  your  position 
and  give  the  Emperor  Napoleon  grounds  for  treating  you  as  an 
enemy.  To  be  sure,  I  know  that  there  are  fools  who  regard 
France  as  prostrated,  and  utterly  unable  to  rise  again,  but  you 
will  soon  see  her  with  an  army  of  three  hundred  thousand, 
men,  as  brilliant  as  the  former," 


200  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"I  am  entirely  of  your  opinion,"  said  the  king,  thought- 
fully, "  the  resources  of  France  seem  inexhaustible,  and — " 

At  this  moment  the  door  of  the  cabinet  was  softly  opened, 
and  Timm  the  chamberlain  made  his  appearance.  "  His  ex- 
cellency, Chancellor  von  Hardenberg,"  he  said,  in  a  loud 
voice,  and  at  the  same  moment  Hardenberg  appeared  on  the 
threshold  of  the  royal  room. 

"Pardon  me,  your  majesty,"  he  said,  quickly  approaching, 
"  for  availing  myself  of  the  permission  you  have  given  me  of 
entering  your  cabinet  without  being  ceremoniously  announced ; 
but  pressing  affairs  will  excuse  me." 

"  Has  any  thing  occurred  at  Berlin?"  asked  the  king,  hastily. 

"  No,  your  majesty ;  Berlin  is,  at  least  for  the  present,  per- 
fectly quiet,"  said  Hardenberg,  laying  stress  on  every  word. 
"  But  scenes  of  the  most  intense  excitement  and  an  open  in- 
surrection might  have  occurred  at  Berlin  and  at  Potsdam  if 
I  had  not  fortunately  arrived  here  in  time. " 

"  What  do  you  mean?"  inquired  the  king. 

"I  mean,"  replied  Hardenberg,  slowly  and  solemnly,  "I 
mean  that  your  majesty  is  at  this  very  moment  in  danger  of 
being  seized  and  abducted  by  the  French." 

The  king  gave  a  start,  and  his  face  colored  for  a  moment; 
Kockeritz  and  Kalkreuth  exchanged  gjances  of  terror  and 
dismay. 

"You  have  also  seen  the  clairvoyante,  then?"  asked  the 
king,  after  a  pause,  almost  indignantly.  "You  too  have 
allowed  yourself  to  be  frightened  by  her  vaticinations?" 

"  No,  your  majesty,  I  do  not  believe  in  them,  but  only  in 
what  is  true  and  real.  Will  your  majesty  condescend  to  listen 
to  me  for  a  moment?" 

"Speak,  M.  Chancellor  of  State." 

"  I  must  confess  that,  imitating  the  example  set  us  by  the 
French,  I  have  my  spies  and  agents  at  the  legation  of  Count 
St.  Marsan,  and  at  the  residence  of  Marshal  Augereau, 
governor-general  of  the  province  of  Brandenburg,  just  as  well 
as  they  have  theirs  at  the  palace  of  your  majesty,  at  my 
house,  and  everywhere  else.  I  pay  my  spies  liberally,  and 
hence  they  serve  me  faithfully.  Well,  three  hours  since  I  re- 
ceived a  message  from  my  first  and  most  reliable  spy,  and  this 
message  seemed  to  me  so  important  that  I  immediately  has- 
tened hither  in  order  to  take  the  necessary  steps,  and,  if 
possible,  ward  off  the  blow  aimed  at  your  majesty." 

"And  what  blow — what  danger  is  it?" 


THE  ATTACK.  201 

"  I  have  told  your  majesty  already  that  you  are  in  danger  of 
being  carried  off  by  the  French.  Will  your  majesty  permit 
me  to  read  to  you  what  my  spy  (who,  as  I  stated  already,  is  a 
very  reliable  man)  writes  me  about  it?" 

"Read!"  exclaimed  the  king. 

Hardenberg  bowed,  and,  taking  a  paper  from  his  memoran- 
dum-book, read  as  follows:  "'They  intend  to  seize  the  king 
to-night.  A  courier  has  been  dispatched  to  the  troops  of 
Grenier's  division,  which,  since  yesterday,  is  encamped  at  a 
short  distance  from  Potsdam ;  he  conveys  to  the  troops  the 
order  to  march  to  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  and  to  wait  there 
at  a  carefully  designated  point  for  the  arrival  of  a  carriage. 
They  are  then  to  surround  this  carriage,  and  take  it  at  a  full 
gallop  along  the  road  leading  to  Brandenburg.  The  king 
will  be  in  this  carriage — seized  in  a  very  simple  manner.  It 
has  been  ascertained  that  the  king  drives  at  seven  o'clock 
every  evening  to  Sans-Souci,  and  the  most  minute  details  of 
what  occurs  on  this  occasion  have  been  reported.  A  man 
will,  therefore,  conceal  himself  shortly  after  nightfall  near  the 
door  by  which  the  king  leaves  the  palace.  He  will  approach 
the  carriage  a  few  minutes  before  seven,  enter  it,  and  noisily 
close  the  door  as  the  king  is  in  the  habit  of  doing.  The 
coachman  will  believe  this  to  be  the  usual  signal,  and  start. 
As  soon  as  he  has  reached  the  deserted  avenue  outside  the  gate 
that  leads  to  Sans-Souci,  the  man  sitting  in  the  carriage  will 
open  the  front  window,  throw  a  cape  over  the  coachman's 
head,  thus  blindfolding  and  preventing  him  from  uttering 
any  cries.  At  the  same  time  two  agents,  concealed  behind 
the  trees,  will  approach,  stop  the  horses,  seize  the  coachman, 
draw  him  from  the  box,  tie  his  hands  and  feet,  and  then  put 
him  into  the  carriage.  The  horses  are  to  be  half  unhitched 
so  that  neither  they  nor  the  coachman  will  be  able  to  stir 
from  the  spot.  In  the  mean  time  another  carriage  will 
occupy  the  place  of  the  former,  and  wait  for  the  king  at  the 
side-gate  of  the  palace.  As  soon  as  his  majesty  has  entered, 
it  will  start,  take  at  first  the  route  of  Sans-Souci,  but  outside 
of  the  gate  will  immediately  turn  to  the  left,  and  drive  for 
some  time  at  a  quick  trot  along  the  narrow  road  near  the 
garden.  At  some  distance  from  the  city  the  chasseurs  of 
Grenier's  division  will  await  it,  and  then  form  its  escort. 
The  carriage  is  arranged  in  such  a  manner  that  it  cannot  be 
opened  on  the  inside.  As  soon  as  the  king  has  entered  it,  he 
will,  therefore,  be  a  prisoner.'  " 
14 


202  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  And  you  believe  in  the  reliability  of  these  statements?" 
asked  the  king,  when  Hardenberg  paused. 

"  I  am  satisfied  of  it,  your  majesty.  The  reports  of  my  spy 
have  hitherto  always  proved  correct  and  reliable.  It  would 
be  impossible  for  me  to  doubt  his  accuracy." 

The  king  looked  at  his  watch.  "  It  is  already  a  quartei 
past  seven,"  he  said.  "Then  it  is  not  my  carriage  that  is 
waiting  for  me  at  the  palace-gate,  but  another?" 

"Yes,  your  majesty." 

"The  clairvoyante  was  right,"  muttered  General  Kockeritz. 

"  If  I  now  enter  the  carriage,  you  believe,  M.  Chancellor, 
I  would  be  carried  off?" 

"  That  is  what  my  spy  reports,  and  I  have  additional  evi- 
dence confirming  his  statements.  At  least  it  is  entirely  cor- 
rect that  Grenier's  chasseurs  are  again  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  Potsdam.  I  confess  to  your  majesty  that,  owing  to 
this  danger,  I  have  already  taken  the  liberty,  without  obtain- 
ing your  consent,  to  take  most  urgent  steps,  and  that  I  have 
conferred  with  the  commanders  of  the  garrison  of  Potsdam 
for  this  purpose.  These  gentlemen,  like  myself,  felt  the 
necessity  of  immediate  action.  Couriers  and  spies  were  sent 
out  by  them  in  all  directions,  and  have  brought  the  news  that 
the  four  thousand  men  who,  two  days  ago,  made  an  attempt 
to  occupy  Potsdam  forcibly,  are  now  again  approaching  the 
city  in  the  utmost  haste.  Already  about  fifty  chasseurs  are 
stationed  behind  the  high  fence  of  the  last  garden  on  the 
road,  alluded  to  in  the  letter  of  my  py,  and  seem  to  wait 
there  for  the  carriage.  Your  majesty  will  see  all  my  state- 
ments confirmed  if  you  will  be  gracious  enough  to  receive  the 
report  of  the  officer  who  commanded  the  expedition,  and  who 
has  now  accompanied  me  to  the  palace.  The  commanders  of 
the  garrison  found  the  proofs  of  the  insidious  intentions  of  the 
French  to  be  so  startling  that  they  are  causing  at  this  moment 
all  their  troops  to  form  in  line,  and  are  marching  them  as 
noiselessly  as  possible  to  the  neighboring  park." 

"Without  having  previously  applied  to  me  for  orders?" 
asked  the  king,  quickly. 

"  Your  majesty,  the  pressing  danger  excuses  this  rashness. 
I  have  engaged  to  solicit  your  majesty's  consent  to  this 
measure." 

"  The  troops  shall  be  sent  to  their  quarters,"  said  the  king, 
energetically,  after  a  moment's  reflection. 

"  Great  Heaven !"  exclaimed  General  Kockeritz,  anxiously, 


THE  ATTACK.  203 

"what  does  your  majesty  intend  to  do?  Will  yon  expose 
yourself  to  the  danger  of — " 

"Hush!"  interrupted  the  king,  sternly,  seizing  the  bell 
and  ringing.  The  chamberlain  entered.  "  The  officer  who 
is  waiting  in  the  anteroom  is  to  come  in,"  ordered  the  king. 
A  minute  afterward  the  officer  appeared,  and  remained  in  a 
military  attitude  at  the  door. 

"  Did  you  reconnoitre  to-night?"  inquired  the  king. 

"I  did,  your  majesty.  A  part  of  Grenier's  division  is 
rapidly  approaching  the  city;  fifty  chasseurs  are  already  on 
the  garden  road  behind  the  last  board  fence." 

"Return  to  the  general  commanding,"  ordered  the  king. 
"  The  troops  are  at  once  to  leave  the  park  and  go  back  to  their 
quarters.  The  whole  affair  is  to  be  kept  a  secret,  and  all  eclat 
to  be  avoided.  Go!" 

The  officer  saluted,  and  turned  toward  the  door,  but  on 
opening  it  he  looked  back  and  cast  an  inquiring  glance  on 
the  face  of  the  chancellor.  Hardenberg  nodded  almost  im- 
perceptibly. The  officer  went  out  and  closed  the  door  after 
him.* 

"I  do  not  wish  this  affair  to  be  made  public,"  said  the 
king,  "  otherwise  I  should  have  to  renounce  France  immedi- 
ately and  decidedly ;  but  my  circumstances  forbid  me  to  do 
so." 

"  But,  your  majesty,  you  are  now  exposing  yourself  to  the 
danger  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  French,"  exclaimed 
General  Kockeritz,  anxiously.  "  If  Grenier's  troops  enter 
Potsdam  now,  they  would  meet  with  no  resistance  whatever, 
as  your  majesty  has  withdrawn  our  own  soldiers." 

"  The  French  troops  will  not  enter  Potsdam  after  seeing 
that  their  plan  has  failed,  and  that  I  do  not  arrive  in  the 
coach  at  the  place  where  the  chasseurs  are  waiting  for  me," 
said  the  king. 

"  Besides,"  exclaimed  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth  indignantly, 
"  it  remains  to  be  seen  whether  the  whole  intrigue  is  not  a 
mere  fiction.  The  chancellor  of  state  himself  said  that  he 
paid  his  spies  well.  Perhaps  some  enterprising  fellow  has 
got  up  this  story  for  the  sole  purpose  of  receiving  a  large  re- 
ward. He  could  imagine  that  the  king,  after  being  warned, 

*  When  the  king  heard  that  the  troops  had  been  marched  to  the  park,  he  ordered 
them  to  be  dismissed  to  their  quarters ;  but  the  apprehensions  of  the  officers  were 
so  great  that  they  dared  to  obey  the  royal  orders  only  partially.  They  marched 
the  troops  from  the  park  to  another  place,  where  they  kept  them  under  arms  dur- 
ing the  whole  night  and  a  part  of  the  following  day. 


304  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

would  not  drive  out  to  Sans-Souci  to-night,  and  that  the  affair 
therefore  would  be  buried  in  the  darkness  of  this  evening." 

"  And  does  your  excellency  believe,  too,  that  my  spy  caused 
four  thousand  men  to  march  upon  Potsdam  to  second  his  in- 
trigue?" asked  Hardenberg,  smiling.  "  Do  you  believe  that 
he  is  able  to  send  detachments  of  chasseurs  whithersoever  he 
pleases?" 

"  I  cannot  believe  in  this  plan;  it  would  be  too  audacious!" 
exclaimed  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth.  "  I  ask  a  favor  of  your 
majesty.  If  this  report  is  correct,  the  carriage  in  which  you 
are  to  be  abducted  ought  now  to  be  at  the  palace-gate  and 
await  your  majesty.  Please  permit  me  to  go  down-stairs  and 
enter  it  in  your  place.  I  want  to  see  whither  they  will  take 
me." 

"  No,"  said  the  king — "  no !  I  wish  to  avoid  any  thing  like 
an  open  rupture  with  France.  The  time  for  that  has  not 
come  yet." 

"Oh,"  whispered  Hardenberg  to  himself,  sadly  and  re- 
proachfully, "that  time  will  never  come!  My  hopes  are 
blasted." 

The  king  paced  the  room  silently  and  musingly,  with  his 
hands  folded  behind  him.  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth  and 
General  Kockeritz  followed  every  motion  in  anxious  suspense. 
Hardenberg  cast  down  his  eyes,  and  his  features  were  expres- 
sive of  profound  grief. 

"Gentlemen,"  said  the  king,  "come  with  me!  Let  us  go 
down  to  my  carriage!" 

"Your  majesty,  I  trust,  does  not  intend  to  enter  it?"  ex- 
claimed Kockeritz,  in  dismay. 

"Come  with  me!"  said  the  king,  almost  smilingly. 
"Come!" 

The  firm,  determined  tone  of  his  majesty  admitted  of  no 
resistance.  The  three  left  the  cabinet  with  him  in  silence, 
crossed  the  anteroom  and  the  lighted  corridor,  until  they  ar- 
rived at  the  small  staircase  leading  to  the  side-gate  of  the 
palace.  All  was  silent.  Not  a  footman  met  them  on  the 
way,  and  only  a  single  sentinel  stood  at  the  upper  end  of  the 
passage.  The  king,  who  led  the  way,  went  quickly  down  and 
across  the  small  hall  toward  the  door,  which  he  opened  with 
a  jerk.  The  storm  swept  into  the  hall  and  beat  into  the  faces 
of  the  gentlemen.  It  had  already  blown  out  the  two  lanterns 
in  front  of  the  door,  and  an  impenetrable  darkness  reigned 
outside. 


THE  ATTACK.  205 

"  Hush,  now !"  whispered  the  king.  "  Step  out  softly  and 
place  yourselves  here  at  the  wall.  No  one  will  see  you. 
Wait  now!"  He  quickly  stepped  to  the  carriage,  scarcely 
visible  in  the  darkness,  and,  groping  for  the  knob  of  the 
coach  door,  opened  it.  A  moment  of  breathless  suspense  en- 
sued for  those  who  stood  at  the  wall,  and  tried  to  see  what 
was  to  occur.  The  king  slammed  the  door,  and  jumped  back 
toward  the  gate.  At  the  same  moment  the  coachman  whipped 
the  horses  and  the  carriage  rapidly  sped  away. 

"Now,  let  us  reenter  the  palace,"  said  the  king,  with  per- 
fect composure.  "It  is  a  stormy  night!  Come!"  He 
stepped  back  into  the  hall,  and  the  gentlemen  followed. 
"  Well,"  he  said,  smiling,  and  standing  still,  "the  coachman, 
in  the  firm  belief  that  I  am  in  the  carriage,  will  take  the  in- 
dicated route ;  the  chasseurs  will  surround  the  carriage  and 
capture  it.  Let  those  who  got  up  this  miserable  intrigue  con- 
vince themselves  to  their  shame  that  it  has  miscarried.  They 
will  not  dare  complain,  and  the  whole  affair  will  never  be 
revealed." 

"  But  suppose  it  should  really  have  been  your  majesty's  car- 
riage?" asked  Kalkreuth.  "The  darkness  was  so  great  that 
it  could  not  be  recognized." 

"  But  the  darkness  did  not  prevent  me  from  feeling,"  said 
the  king,  "  and  my  hands  served  me  this  time  instead  of  my 
eyes.  I  felt  that  it  was  another  carriage  than  mine.  The 
door-knob  was  much  larger.  But  now  I  should  like  to  have 
some  news  about  my  dear  old  coachman,  Thomas,  and  learn 
what  has  become  of  him." 

"  If  your  majesty  will  permit  me,  I  will  try  to  ascertain  if 
the  carriage  is  still  in  the  avenue  outside  the  gate,"  said 
Kalkreuth,  quickly. 

"I  intended  to  request  you  to  do  so,  field -marshal,"  said 
the  king.  "  Your  coach  is  in  readiness,  is  it  not?" 

"It  is,  your  majesty." 

"Let  the  servants,  then,  have  it  brought  up,"  said  the 
king,  ascending  the  staircase.  On  arriving  at  the  anteroom, 
he  himself  ordered  the  lackey  in  waiting  to  have  the  carriage 
of  the  field-marshal  brought  to  the  door. 

"If  your  majesty  will  permit  me,"  said  General  Kockeritz, 
"I  will  accompany  the  field-marshal." 

"I  ask  for  the  same  favor,"  said  the  chancellor  of  state, 
quickly. 

"Accompany  the   field-marshal,  general,"  said   the  king, 


206  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

turning  to  Kockeritz.  "  Take  no  servants  with  you,  except 
Timm  my  chamberlain,  who  may  render  assistance  to  my  poor 
Thomas.  My  chamberlain  is  reticent  and  faithful.  Pray 
have  your  carriage  stopped  at  the  entrance  of  the  avenue,  and 
proceed  then  on  foot.  If  you  find  every  thing  as  stated  in 
the  spy's  report,  Timm  will  drive  the  carriage  to  Sans-Souci, 
that  my  good  old  coachman  may  go  to  bed  and  recover  from 
his  fright.  You  will  tell  him,  however,  that  I  wish  him  not 
to  breathe  a  word  about  his  adventure.  You,  gentlemen,  will 
thereupon  return  and  report  to  me.  And  you,  M.  Chancellor, 
will  follow  me  into  my  cabinet." 


CHAPTEE    XXI. 
THE  COURIER'S   RETURN. 

ON  reaching  his  cabinet,  the  king  slowly  paced  his  room, 
seemingly  without  noticing  the  presence  of  the  chancellor. 
Hardenberg,  who  waited  in  silent  patience,  withdrew  softly 
into  a  window-niche,  and  listened  to  the  noise  of  the  carriage 
rolling  away  at  this  moment.  "  The  spies  the  king  has  sent 
out  are  driving  to  the  avenue,"  said  Hardenberg  to  himself. 
"  They  will,  no  doubt,  find  every  thing  as  stated  in  the  report, 
and  yet  all  will  be  in  vain.  He  will  not  make  up  his  mind  to 
enter  a  bold  course,  and  while  he  is  hesitating  all  of  us  and 
Prussia  will  perish." 

While  he  was  thus  absorbed  in  his  sombre  reflections,  and 
sadly  gazing  out  into  the  dark  night,  he  had  not  noticed  that 
the  king  stood  still  at  the  other  end  of  the  room,  and,  with 
his  arms  folded  on  his  breast,  was  casting  searching  glances 
on  the  chancellor  of  state.  Now  he  crossed  the  room  with 
slow  steps  and  erect  head,  and  stood  in  front  of  Hardenberg. 
"M.  Chancellor,"  said  Frederick  "William,  in  an  unusually 
mild  and  gentle  tone,  "  you  are  sad  and  discontented,  are  you 
not?  You  are  almost  despairing,  and  it  seems  to  you  that 
the  King  of  Prussia,  whom  the  French  have  again  so  deeply, 
insulted  and  humiliated,  and  whom  Napoleon  is  now  threaten- 
ing even  with  seizure,  should  at  length  revolt  against  such 
treatment,  and  submit  no  longer  to  it.  It  seems  to  you  that, 
cut  to  the  quick  by  so  many  slights,  insults,  and  perfidies,  he 
ought  to  put  an  end  to  his  temporizing  policy;  to  rise  and 


THE  COURIER'S  RETURN.  207 

exclaim,  'I  will  die  rather  than  bear  this  disgrace  any  longer! 
I  will  die  rather  than  endure  these  humiliations. '  You  are 
right;  were  I,  like  you,  so  fortunate  as  to  be  nothing  but  a 
man  who  had  to  defend  only  his  own  honor  and  existence,  I 
would  be  allowed  to  risk  every  thing  in  order  to  win  every 
thing.  But  I  am  the  king,  and,  moreover,  the  king  of  an 
unfortunate  state.  I  must  forget  my  own  wrongs,  and  re- 
member only  that  I  have  sacred  duties  to  fulfil  toward  my 
people,  and  that,  so  far  as  my  own  person  is  concerned,  I  am 
not  yet  allowed  to  possess  any  other  courage  than  that  of 
resignation.  I  am  not  allowed  to  stake  the  existence  of  my 
monarchy  and  the  welfare  of  my  people  to  obtain  personal  satis- 
faction. Until  I  obtain  the  incontestable  certainty  that  such 
a  course  would  be  brought  to  a  successful  issue,  I  must  not  throw 
down  the  gauntlet  to  France,  for  failure  in  this  case  would  be 
not  only  my  ruin,  but  that  of  my  whole  people.  I  shall  wait, 
therefore,  M.  Chancellor,  for  an  opportunity ;  but  I  believe  that 
this  course  requires  on  my  part  more  constancy  and  courage 
than  if  I,  as  you  wish  me  to  do,  should  now  unreservedly  forsake 
France  and  render  the  decision  of  my  fate  dependent  on  the 
fortune  of  war.  It  is  my  solemn  conviction  that  I  ought  not 
to  do  this,  but  advance  only  step  by  step,  and  with  the  utmost 
caution  and  deliberation,  for —  Well,  what  is  it?"  asked 
the  king,  turning  to  the  chamberlain,  who  opened  the  door 
and  entered  the  cabinet. 

"  Pardon  me,  your  majesty,  for  disturbing  you,"  said  the 
chamberlain,  respectfully.  "  But  the  gentleman  who  has  just 
entered  the  anteroom  assured  me  that  he  was  the  bearer  of 
important  news,  which  admitted  of  no  delay." 

"And  who  is  the  gentleman?" 

"  Sire,  it  is  Major  Natzmer,  whom  your  majesty  sent  re- 
cently as  a  courier  to  Old  Prussia." 

"Natzmer?"  exclaimed  the  king,  joyously,  "admit  him  at 
once! — Ah,  M.  Chancellor,  we  shall  hear  now  how  affairs  are 
looking  in  my  province  of  Prussia,  and  how  my  troops  have 
received  York's  removal  from  his  command." 

"  I  hope  Major  Natzmer  will  bring  your  majesty  good  and 
joyful  news,"  said  Hardenberg,  with  perfect  outward  calm- 
ness, while  his  heart  was  throbbing  with  impatience  for  Major 
Natzmer,  who  now  entered ;  and,  while  he  saluted  the  king, 
Hardenberg  fixed  his  eyes,  with  an  anxious  expression,  on  the 
countenance  of  the  new-comer.  For  a  moment  their  eyes 
met.  There  was  an  inquiry  in  those  of  Hardenberg ;  Natz- 


208  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

mer  replied  by  a  slight  motion  of  his  eyelids,  and  an  almost 
imperceptible  smile. 

"  In  the  first  place,  report  to  me  briefly  and  succinctly,"  said 
the  king.  "  Reply  to  all  my  questions  as  pointedly  and  clearly 
as  possible.  Afterward  we  will  expatiate  on  the  most  impor- 
tant points.  Well,  then,  you  saw  Murat  and  Macdonald?" 

"  I  did,  your  majesty.  I  met  the  King  of  Naples  at  Elbing, 
and  had  the  honor  of  delivering  your  majesty's  letter  to  him. 
He  received  me  very  kindly,  and  was  delighted  at  being  thus 
assured  of  your  friendly  feelings  toward  France.  Marshal 
Macdonald,  to  whose  headquarters  I  then  repaired,  was  less 
kind  and  polite.  He  was  still  exceedingly  indignant  at  the 
course  of  General  York,  which  he  openly  stigmatized  as 
traitorous;  but  he  was  pacified  when  I  informed  him  that  I 
was  the  bearer  of  an  order  depriving  York  of  his  command, 
and  was  about  to  convey  it  to  the  camp  of  the  Russians  and 
Prussians." 

"  He  raised  no  obstacles,  then,  but  allowed  you  to  pass  over 
without  hinderance  to  the  Russian  camp?" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty.  While  Macdonald  continued  his 
march,  I  rode  to  the  Russian  pickets,  and  was  conducted  by 
an  officer,  detailed  by  General  Choplitz  for  this  purpose,  to 
the  commander-in-chief,  Prince  Wittgenstein,  who  had  estab- 
lished his  headquarters  at  Heilsberg." 

"  What  business  had  you  at  Wittgenstein's  headquarters?" 

"  I  wanted,  in  accordance  with  your  orders,  to  ask  his  per- 
mission to  pass  through  to  General  York;  and,  besides,  I 
wished  to  ascertain  where  the  Emperor  Alexander  had  estab- 
lished his  headquarters,  that  I  might  repair  to  them. " 

"  Prince  Wittgenstein,  of  course,  gave  you  immediate  per- 
mission to  pass  through  his  camp,  did  he  not?" 

"No,  your  majesty;  he  refused  my  request." 

"How  so?  What  reasons  could  he  adduce?  Did  you  tell 
him  what  you  intended  to  do  at  York's  headquarters?" 

"  Your  majesty  ordered  me  to  tell  every  one  what  I  was  to 
do  at  General  York's  headquarters,  and  what  punishment  you 
intended  to  inflict  upon  him.  I  was  therefore  authorized 
and  obliged  to  inform  General  Wittgenstein  of  the  object  of 
my  mission." 

"And  he  dared  to  resist  you?" 

"He  did,  your  majesty.  He  declared  that  he  would  not 
permit  me  by  any  means  to  go  to  York,  and  that  so  long  as 
he  lived  no  one  should  bring  to  the  general  a  dispatch  by 


THE  COURIER'S  RETURN.  209 

which  the  most  generous,  magnanimous,  and  valiant  gen- 
eral of  the  Prussian  army  was  to  be  deprived  of  his  com- 
mand." 

"  Then  he  really  prevented  you  from  going  to  York?" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty ;  he  told  me  I  was  his  prisoner,  and  did 
not  permit  me  to  leave  him." 

"  So  that,  at  this  moment,  General  York  has  not,  as  I  de- 
sire, transferred  his  command  to  General  Kleist?" 

"  Precisely,  your  majesty.  General  York  is  still  in  com- 
mand." 

"  And  he  did  not  receive  the  order  removing  him  from  his 
position?" 

"  I  was  unable  to  deliver  it,  and  your  majesty  required  me 
to  give  it  to  none  but  the  general  himself.  I  was,  however, 
a  prisoner  at  General  Wittgenstein's.  He  asked  me  whether 
I  had  received  other  commissions;  and  when  he  heard  that  I 
was  to  deliver  a  letter  to  his  majesty  the  emperor,  he  immedi- 
ately had  a  sleigh  brought  to  the  door,  detailed  an  officer  to 
escort  me,  and  we  set  out  for  the  imperial  headquarters." 

"Let  us  speak  of  that  hereafter,"  said  the  king,  quickly. 
"  Tell  me  first  whether  you  have  heard  further  news  about  my 
corps.  General  York,  then,  is  still  in  command?" 

"Yes,  your  majesty." 

"  But  even  though  he  has  not  received  the  dispatches,  he 
must  have  seen  the  news  in  the  newspapers.  For  the  Berlin 
journals  contained  a  copy  of  the  order  superseding  him,  and 
he  must  have  noticed  it." 

"I  was  told  by  General  Wittgenstein,  on  returning  from 
the  headquarters  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  that  York  had 
been  informed  by  the  newspapers  of  the  severe  punishment 
which  your  majesty  intended  to  inflict  upon  him,  and  that 
you  disavowed  him  and  the  course  he  had  taken.  Accord- 
ingly, he  requested  General  Kleist  to  take  command  of  the 
troops.  But  Kleist  refused  to  do  so,  alleging  that  he  had  re- 
ceived no  direct  orders  from  your  majesty,  and  that  the  dis- 
patches of  your  majesty,  addressed  to  him  personally,  would 
determine  his  course,  and  induce  him  to  take  command  of 
the  troops." 

"  General  Kleist  was  right  in  making  this  declaration,"  said 
the  king.  "  So  long  as  York  had  not  received  the  dispatches, 
he  remained  commander-in-chief. " 

"He  is  still  at  the  head  of  the  army,"  exclaimed  Natzmer, 
"for  I  bring  back  the  dispatches  addressed  to  Generals  York 


210  NAPOLEON  AND  BLtJCflER. 

and  Kleist.  As  I  was  unable  to  deliver  them,  I  return  them 
to  your  majesty." 

The  king  took  the  papers  which  the  major  presented  to 
him,  contemplating  them  for  a  moment.  He  turned  toward 
Hardenberg,  and  saw  that  heart-felt  joy  was  beaming  from 
his  face.  "  Are  you  glad  that  my  orders  have  not  been  carried 
into  effect,  M.  Chancellor  of  State?"  asked  the  king. 

"Yes,  your  majesty,"  said  Hardenberg,  in  a  voice  tremu- 
lous with  emotion,  "  I  am  glad  of  it,  for  now  it  seems  to  me 
as  if  our  night  is  drawing  to  a  close,  and  a  new  morning  is 
about  to  dawn  upon  Prussia.  York  took  the  first  step  for  this 
purpose,  and  it  will  be  necessary  for  your  majesty  to  pursue 
the  same  course.  For,  as  York  has  not  been  deprived  of  his 
command,  the  French  will  no  longer  believe  that  you  disavow 
the  action  of  your  brave  general,  and  your  people  and  all  Ger- 
many will  take  heart,  for  they  will  see  that  the  era  of  dis- 
grace is  past,  and  that  a  German  king  dares  at  length  to  resist 
the  French  tyrant." 

"Well,  we  shall  see,"  said  the  king.  "Now,  Major  Natz- 
mer,  tell  me  about  your  mission  to  his  majesty  the  Emperor 
Alexander.  I  told  you  that  it  was  a  state  secret.  Did  you 
keep  it?" 

"  I  did,  your  majesty." 

"  Well,  tell  me  the  result." 

"Will  your  majesty  permit  me  to  withdraw?"  said  the 
chancellor,  approaching  the  door.  "  As  you  intrusted  Major 
Natzmer  with  a  secret  mission — " 

"  Oh,  no,  your  excellency,  pray  remain ;  I  wish  you  to  hear 
the  message  I  sent  to  the  emperor,  and  what  he  replied  to  it. 
— Answer  my  questions  now,  major.  Did  you  carry  out  the 
commission  I  gave  you?  Did  you  verbally  lay  before  the  em- 
peror the  message  which  I  dared  not  confide  to  pen  and  paper? 
Did  you  tell  the  emperor  that  I  would  offer  him  a  defensive 
and  offensive  alliance  if  Alexander  would  engage  to  carry  on 
the  war  against  Napoleon  to  the  best  of  his  power,  and  cross 
the  Vistula  and  the  Oder  without  delay?  Did  you  make  this 
offer  to  Alexander  in  my  name?" 

"I  did,  your  majesty." 

The  king  glanced  quickly  at  Hardenberg,  and  the  surprised 
face  of  his  chancellor  of  state  made  him  smile. 

"And  what  did  the  emperor  reply?"  asked  Frederick  Will- 
iam, turning  again  to  the  major. 

"  The  emperor  was  overjoyed  at  the  offer,  and  declared  his 


THE  COURIER'S  RETURN.  211 

readiness  to  grant  all  which  you  would  stipulate  now  and 
hereafter.  The  Emperor  Alexander  imposed  only  a  single 
condition." 

"  What  was  it?" 

"  He  demanded  that  the  fortress  of  G-raudenz  should  be 
garrisoned  by  Eussian  troops,  and  insisted  most  obstinately 
on  this  point." 

"  Did  you  not  tell  him  that  I  had  made  up  my  mind  in 
regard  to  this  point,  and  would  renounce  the  proposed  alliance 
if  Graudenz,  the  most  remote  fortress  of  my  kingdom,  should 
be  garrisoned  by  other  than  Prussian  troops?" 

"  I  stated  this  to  the  emperor." 

"And  then?" 

"  The  emperor  resolved  to  yield  even  this  point,  and  to 
leave  Graudenz  to  the  Prussian  troops." 

A  sunbeam  seemed  to  light  up  the  grave,  calm  face  of  the 
king,  and  the  cloud  that  generally  darkened  his  brow  dis- 
appeared. "  M.  Chancellor,"  he  said,  turning  to  Hardenberg 
with  a  mild  and  kind  smile,  "  are  you  now  reconciled  with 
your  Fabius  Cuuctator?  "Will  you  forgive  me  for  having  hesi- 
tated until  Natzmer  would  bring  me  Alexander's  reply?" 

"  Oh,  sire,"  exclaimed  Hardenberg,  "  my  soul  bows  in  joyous 
admiration,  and  your  greatness  and  mildness  make  me  blush." 

At  this  moment  the  door  opened,  and  Kockeritz  and  Kalk- 
reuth  entered  the  cabinet. 

"Ah,"  exclaimed  the  king,  meeting  them,  "my  two  gen- 
erals whom  I  sent  out  on  a  reconnoissance !  Well,  gentlemen, 
speak!  Did  you  find  my  carriage?" 

"We  did,  your  majesty,"  said  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth, 
sighing.  "  The  report  was  but  too  true.  A  vile  plot  had  been 
formed;  we  have  the  proofs,  for  we  really  found  the  carriage 
of  your  majesty  in  the  avenue  leading  to  Sans-Souci;  the 
horses  had  been  partially  unhitched — " 

"And  my  poor  coachman?"  asked  the  king.  "Kockeritz, 
tell  me  what  has  become  of  my  faithful  Thomas?" 

"  We  found  him  exactly  in  the  condition  stated  in  the  spy's 
report,"  said  General  Kockeritz,  hastily.  "He  lay  in  the 
interior  of  the  carriage ;  his  hands  and  feet  firmly  tied ;  his 
head  covered  with  a  cape,  which  had  been  closely  fastened 
round  his  neck  to  prevent  him  from  crying ;  it  had,  more- 
over, almost  choked  him  when  we  arrived." 

"But  he  has  recovered  from  his  fright?"  asked  the  king,  in 
a  tone  of  sympathy. 


212  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Yes,  your  majesty,"  said  Kockeritz,  "  and  he  would  not  per- 
mit Timm  to  accompany  him  to  Sans-Souci.  He  felt  strong 
enough  to  return  to  Potsdam,  and  arrived  here  at  the  same 
time  as  we  did." 

"  I  suppose  you  have  ordered  him  to  say  nothing  about  the 
whole  affair?" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty,  and  he  swore  he  would  not  mention 
it." 

"And  now,  gentlemen,  give  me  your  opinion.  Field- 
Marshal  Kalkreuth,  you  have  satisfied  yourself  now  that  the 
French  really  intended  to  seize  and  abduct  me  to-night?" 

"  I  have  unfortunately  satisfied  myself  that  they  made  such 
an  attempt,"  said  the  field-marshal. 

"And  you,  Kockeritz,  believe  so,  too?" 

"  I  do,  your  majesty ;  I  am  fully  convinced  that  such  an 
outrage  was  in  contemplation." 

"And  you,  M.  Chancellor  of  State?" 

"  I  was  confident  of  the  existence  of  this  plot  before  coming 
hither,  and  every  thing  has  confirmed  it;  yes,  such  an  outrage 
was  surely  intended.  The  French  meant  to  seize  your  sacred 
person." 

"  Will  your  majesty  permit  me  also  to  reply  to  this  ques- 
tion?" said  Major  Natzmer. 

"What  do  you  mean?"  asked  the  king,  surprised.  "Have 
you  not  just  arrived?  How  can  you  pass  an  opinion  on  what 
occurred  before  your  arrival?" 

"  Your  majesty,  it  is  true  I  have  just  now  come ;  but  still  I 
knew  what  was  to  occur  here,  and  what  an  infamous  trans- 
action was  planned,"  said  Major  Natzmer.  "The  Emperor 
Alexander  gave  me  this  information;  he  had  just  received 
from  a  perfectly  reliable  source  the  news  that  Marshal  Auge- 
reau  had  been  instructed  to  seize  the  person  of  your  majesty. 
The  emperor  was  greatly  alarmed,  and  told  me  he  would  be 
unable  to  find  any  rest  until  he  had  heard  that  you  were  safe, 
and  had  left  Berlin  and  Potsdam.  *  I  myself  set  out  at  once 
in  the  greatest  consternation,  and  as  I  l^ft  the  emperor  on  the 
13th  of  January,  I  would  have  arrived  here  much  earlier  if 
I  had  not  heard  at  Landshut  that  Murat  had  issued  an  order 
to  all  the  authorities  to  have  me  arrested  and  conveyed  to  the 
French  headquarters.!  This  compelled  me  to  take  a  round- 
about course,  and  now  I  rejoice  the  more  heartily  as  I  have 

*Droysen's  "  Life  of  York,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  120. 
t Ibid. 


THE  COURIER'S  RETURN.  213 

arrived  at  the  very  time  to  caution  your  majesty,  in  the  name 
of  the  Emperor  Alexander,  against  the  insidious  designs  of 
the  French." 

The  king  made  no  reply.  He  paced  the  room  slowly  and 
with  his  head  bent  down ;  the  four  gentlemen  stood  in  silence 
on  both  sides  of  the  cabinet.  Suddenly  standing  in  the  mid- 
dle of  the  room,  with  his  countenance  full  of  determination, 
he  said :  "  Gentlemen,  I  will  tell  you  a  state  secret.  Will 
you  pledge  me  your  word  of  honor,  all  four  of  you,  that  you 
will  keep  it?" 

"We  will!"  they  all  shouted  at  the  same  moment. 

"Listen  to  me,  then,"  added  the  king.  "I  shall  leave 
Potsdam  and  repair  to  Breslau,  whither  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment will  be  temporarily  transferred.  All  the  necessary 
preparations  must  be  made  from  this  hour  with  the  utmost 
dispatch  and  prudence.  To-morrow  night  I  shall  set  out  with 
the  crown  prince ;  the  rest  of  the  royal  family  will  follow  me 
on  the  next  day.  Troops  will  be  stationed  along  the  route ; 
the  hussars  forming  my  escort,  and  the  lifeguards  following  to 
Breslau.  It  is  my  duty  to  place  myself  beyond  the  reach  of 
insidious  attacks,  and  to  render  it  impossible  for  the  French 
to  seize  me.  I  will,  therefore,  go  to  Breslau!"  While  utter- 
ing these  words,  the  king  glanced  successively  at  the  faces  of 
the  four  gentlemen.  He  saw  that  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth 
looked  gloomy  and  abstracted,  and  opposite  him  the  chancellor 
of  state,  with  burning  cheeks  and  radiant  eyes. 

"Well,  Hardenberg,"  said  the  king,  mildly,  "have  you 
nothing  to  say  to  me?" 

"  I  am  unable  to  say  any  thing,"  whispered  Hardenberg,  in 
a  tremulous  voice,  "but  I  do  what  I  have  not  done  for  many 
years  past — I  weep  tears  of  joy !  Our  night  is  at  an  end ;  a 
new  morning  is  dawning  upon  Prussia,  and  the  sun  of  a  new 
era  will  shed  his  beams  upon  all  of  usl" 


THE  VOLUNTEERS. 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

THE   MANIFESTO. 

THE  people  were  moving  in  dense  crowds  through  Berlin. 
The  long  and  splendid  street  "  Unter  den  Linden  "  was  filled 
wiih  a  vast  multitude,  whose  greeting  cheers  resembled  the 
noise  of  the  ocean's  billows. 

"  The  king  has  safely  arrived  at  Breslau!"  cried  one  of  the 
men  to  another,  and  immediately  the  enthusiastic  cry  of 
"  Long  live  the  king!"  burst  from  all  those  who  heard  it,  and, 
like  a  jubilant  echo,  the  people  along  the  whole  street  re- 
peated, "Long  live  the  king!" 

"  The  king  has  reappointed  General  Scharnhorst  quarter- 
master-general, and  General  Blucher  is  with  him  at  Breslau !" 
exclaimed  a  stentorian  voice.  "  Long  live  Scharnhorst !  Long 
live  Blucher!"  shouted  the  crowd.  "Long  live  our  heroes!" 
"Down  with  the  French!"  and  thousands  answered  in  tones 
of  intense  hatred,  "  Down  with  the  French!" 

"  They  so  long  trampled  us  under  foot!"  cried  another  citi- 
zen. "  Now,  let  us  pay  them  for  it!  Come,  let  us  go  to  the 
French  ambassador  and  give  him  a  few  groans ! '  We  will  no 
longer  be  silent!" 

"Yes,  we  are  determined  to  speak!"  yelled  the  multitude, 
who  hurried  toward  the  gate  in  front  of  which  the  residence 
of  the  ambassador  was  situated.  But  suddenly  they  were 
stopped  by  a  procession  approaching  from  the  Brandenburg 
gate.  It  was  headed  by  three  men — one  of  short  and  feeble 
frame,  his  face  pale  and  emaciated,  but  lit  up  by  large  flash- 
ing blue  eyes ;  the  second  was  tall  and  broad-shouldered,  his 
eye  looking  frank  and  bold,  and  his  hair  falling  on  his  shoul- 
ders like  a  lion's  mane ;  the  third  was  not  tall,  but  of  a  firmly- 
knit  frame,  and,  with  his  proud  head  and  intrepid  air,  looked 
like  the  embodiment  of  chivalry.  Behind  them  was  a  line  of 


THE  MANIFESTO.  215 

more  than  two  hundred  youths,  in  light,  simple  attire,  their 
cheeks  glowing  with  excitement  or  exercise,  and  their  eyes 
flashing  with  enthusiasm. 

"Hurrah!"  shouted  the  people.  "Here  are  the  Turners! 
Here  is  Father  Jahn  with  his  Turners!  Long  live  Jahn!" 

The  Turners,  at  a  beck  from  "Father  Jahn,"  had  taken 
position  across  the  street,  and  thus,  like  a  chain,  prevented 
the  citizens  from  passing  on.  The  three  leaders  stood  in 
front,  and  gazed  gravely  upon  the  approaching  multitude. 

"  Clear  the  track !"  cried  the  crowd.  "  We  have  business  to 
attend  to  on  the  square  in  front  of  the  gate!" 

"  Believe  me,  it  is  as  I  said,"  whispered  the  smallest  of  the 
three  men  to  his  neighbor.  "  It  is  a  riot  directed  against  the 
French  ambassador!" 

"Where  are  you  going?"  shouted  the  man  with  the  lion's 
mane,  pushing  back  those  at  the  head  of  the  crowd  with  his 
herculean  arms. 

"  We  are  going  to  the  French  ambassador,  to  sing  him  a  new 
German  song,  and  accompany  it  with  stones  for  his  windows." 

"And  why  do  you  wish  to  do  so?"  asked  the  tall  man. 
"  What  do  you  care  for  the  Frenchman  on  this  beautiful  and 
joyous  day?  Men  like  you  have  something  else  to  do  than  to 
break  the  windows  of  the  French  ambassador.  There  will  be 
other  battles  before  long.  I  hope  you  have  heard  or  read 
what  great  events  have  occurred ;  I  hope  you  know  the  mes- 
sage which  the  king  has  sent  to  us  from  Breslau?" 

"No,  we  know  nothing  about  them!"  replied  a  few  voices. 
"Yes,  we  do,"  said  others.  "  But  we  would  like  to  hear  the 
news  again,"  cried  another.  "Pray,  repeat  it  to  us,  Father 
Jahn!" 

"  I  am  not  very  well  able  to  do  so ;  our  gymnastic  perform- 
ances  to-day  have  exhausted  me,"  replied  Jahn.  "  I  went  out 
of  the  gate  with  my  pupils  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning. 
These  two  gentlemen  came  to  us  and  told  us  the  news,  and 
that  is  the  reason  why  we  have  come  back.  My  friend  will 
tell  you  what  he  told  me,  and  he  knows  better  how  to  speak 
than  I  do,  for  he  has  an  eloquent  tongue.  This  is  well  known 
to  all  of  you,  for  who  among  you  is  not  acquainted  with  Fred- 
erick Schleiermacher,  the  great  preacher?" 

"  Schleiermacher !  Long  live  Schleiermacher!  Let  Schlei- 
ermacher repeat  to  us  what  the  king  said !  Let  him  tell  us 
what  is  on  the  large  placards  on  the  street  corners.  Hearing 
it  read,  we  understand  it  better  than  on  reading  it  ourselves." 


216  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

And  many  arms  were  stretched  out  toward  the  feeble  little 
man  who  stood  by  the  side  of  Jahn,  lifting  him  up  and  plac- 
ing him  gently  on  the  balcony  fixed  above  the  door  of  a  neigh- 
boring house. 

"That  is  a  good  pulpit,"  shouted  the  people;  "  Schleier- 
macher,  address  us  from  it!" 

The  little  man  with  bright  eyes  and  a  genial  countenance 
gazed  for  a  moment  in  silence  upon  his  auditors,  who  thronged 
around  him  in  suspense  and  curiosity.  He  then  raised  his 
arms,  commanding  silence.  The  laughter,  shouts,  and  yells, 
died  away ;  all  eyes  were  fixed  upon  Schleiermacher,  and  the 
noise  of  the  multitude  seemed  arrested  as  by  a  magician's 
wand,  as  the  voice  of  the  preacher  resounded  through  the 
street  clear  and  distinct.  "  You  want  me  to  read  what  has 
been  addressed  to  us  all,"  he  said,  "the  manifesto  which 
Minister  von  Hardenberg  has  issued  to  the  people  in  the  king's 
name.  Listen,  then!"  He  took  a  large  folded  paper  from 
his  breast-pocket,  and,  opening  it,  read  as  follows:  "'The 
dangerous  position  in  which  the  state  has  been  placed  by 
recent  events  requires  a  rapid  augmentation  of  the  troops  now 
in  arms,  while  our  finances  admit  of  no  lavish  expenditures. 
In  consideration  of  the  patriotism  and  faithful  attachment  to 
the  king  which  have  always  animated  the  people  of  Prussia, 
and  manifested  themselves  most  strikingly  in  times  of  danger, 
there  is  but  an  opportunity  required  to  give  a  definite  direc- 
tion to  these  sentiments,  and  to  the  desire  for  activity  which 
distinguishes  so  many  young  men,  that  they  may  SAvell  by 
their  accession  to  the  army  the  ranks  of  the  older  defenders  of 
the  country,  whom  they  would  emulate  in  nobly  fulfilling  the 
first  of  all  duties  incumbent  upon  us.  For  this  reason  his 
majesty  has  designed  to  order  the  organization  of  companies 
of  volunteers,  to  be  embodied  with  the  regiments  of  infantry 
and  cavalry  already  in.  the  service,  that  an  opportunity  to 
enter  the  army  in  a  manner  suitable  to  their  education,  and 
their  position  in  life,  may  be  given  to  all  those  classes  who, 
under  the  existing  conscription  laws,  are  exempt  from  service, 
and  are  rich  enough  to  pay  for  their  own  outfit  and  horse,  and 
that  a  prospect  of  distinguishing  themselves  may  be  held  out 
to  men  who,  owing  to  their  education  and  intellect,  might 
immediately  do  good  service,  and  soon  be  appointed  line  and 
field  officers. '  *  It  is  unnecessary  for  me  to  read  the  con- 

*  Hardenberg  issued  this  manifesto  at  Breslau,  on  the  3d  of  February;  it  was 
published  at  Berlin  on  the  5th. 


THE  MANIFESTO.  217 

elusion  of  the  proclamation,"  said  Schleiermacher.  "You 
know  enough,  for  you  know  now  that  the  king  calls  his  peo- 
ple ;  that  he  calls  upon  all  the  youths  and  men  of  his  kingdom 
to  rally  round  him,  and  that  he  requests,  and  does  not  order 
them  to  do  so.  The  country  is  in  danger;  and  not  the  king's 
order,  but  your  own  voluntary  action,  is  to  make  you  soldiers 
of  the  fatherland  and  put  arms  into  your  hands.  Remember 
that  your  free  will  is  your  most  precious  and  sacred  possession, 
and  that  he  is  twice  a  hero  whom  it  actuates,  and  is  not 
forced  into  duty.  No  greater  honor  can  be  conferred  on  you 
than  that  your  country  calls  you,  trusts  in  your  strong  arm, 
and  hopes  in  your  free  will  to  save  it  from  destruction.  Take 
that  into  consideration,  and  decide  then  whether  you  will  stay 
at  home  or  obey  the  call." 

The  two  men  who  had  been  by  his  side  at  the  head  of  the 
procession,  Jahn,  the  brave  Turner,  and  the  chivalrous  La 
Motte  Fouque,  now  ascended  the  balcony. 

"  I  do  not  care  to  stay  at  home  when  my  country  calls  me 
to  h^r  aid!"  exclaimed  M.  de  la  Motte  Fouque,  in  a  loud, 
sonorous  vocie.  "  I  joyfully  offer  my  services  as  a  soldier.  I 
have  a  wife  and  children,  but  my  country  is  to  me  more 
precious  than  they  are,  and  I  enroll  here  my  name  as  the 
Iir3t  volunteer  who  responds  to  the  call  of  his  king  and 
country." 

"  And  I  enroll  my  name  as  the  second  volunteer!"  exclaimed 
Jahn,  the  Turners'  father.  "  I  swear  here  to  my  country 
that  I  will  joyously  fight  for  it.  Henceforth,  my  blood  and 
life  belong  to  the  fatherland. — And  where  are  you,  my  boys, 
my  Turners?  Shall  I  march  out  all  alone,  or  will  you  accom- 
pany me?" 

"  We  will  go  with  you !"  cried  a  hundred  youthful  voices, 
and  their  enthusiastic  shouts  rent  the  sky.  "  We  will  march 
with  you!  We  will  fight  for  the  fatherland!"  And  the 
crowd,  carried  away  by  what  they  saw  and  heard — the  men 
with  tearful  eyes,  the  youths  with  flashing  glances — all 
shouted :  "  We  will  march  with  you !  We  will  fight  for  the 
fatherland !"  Neighbor  gave  his  hand  to  neighbor,  and  friend 
embraced  friend ;  those  who  had  never  before  seen  each  other 
understood  the  common  feeling,  and  those  who  had  never  ex- 
changed a  word  conversed  now  like  old  acquaintances.  One 
grand  impulse  seemed  to  move  the  multitude — one  patriotic 
feeling  beamed  from  all  eyes — one  vow  burned  in  all  hearts: 
to  be  faithful  soldiers  to  their  country.  It  was  no  mere  tran- 
15 


218  .        NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

sitory  enthusiasm,  soon  to  disappear,  and  to  be  succeeded  by 
a  corresponding  reaction — it  was  no  momentary  ardor  kindled 
by  the  manifesto  issued  at  Breslau,  but  the  sacred  fire  of 
patriotism  burning  in  the  heart  of  the  whole  people  of  Prus- 
sia, and  increased  from  day  to  day.  Every  one  felt  himself  a 
soldier,  and  would  have  considered  it  a  disgrace  to  remain  at 
home  while  others  marched  to  the  war  of  liberation. 

The  pupils  of  the  lyceums  closed  their  books,  and  the 
teachers  did  not  prevent  them ;  they  only  appeared  in  the 
school-rooms,  to  say  to  the  half-grown  youths:  "Farewell! 
The  country  has  called  us !  Let  us  march  to  the  field ! 
Those  of  you  who  have  reached  their  seventeenth  year,  and 
are  willing  to  fight,  follow  us!"  And,  with  shouts  of  exulta- 
tion, the  older  youths  rallied  round  their  teachers,  while  the 
younger  ones  retired  with  tearful  eyes,  as  if  ashamed  of  their 
age.  What  occurred  in  the  lyceum  was  repeated  in  the 
offices,  the  courts,  the  counting-houses  of  the  bankers  and 
merchants.  No  one  would  stay  at  home,  or  refuse  the  coun- 
try his  arm  and  his  strength.  All  selfish  calculations,  all 
distinctions  of  rank  had  ceased.  Princes  and  counts  were 
seen  in  the  ranks  of  the  volunteers  by  the  side  of  the  humblest 
youths;  and  poor  men,  who  had  sold  every  thing  they  had  to 
buy  arms  and  a  uniform,  did  not  think  of  their  future,  or 
what  was  to  become  of  them  after  their  return  from  the  war. 
The  fatherland  had  called  them,  and  they  voluntarily  took  up 
arms  in  its  defence.  Death  had  lost  its  terrors,  life  had  lost 
its  value.  With  exulting  hearts,  mothers  saw  their  sons  pre- 
paring for  the  struggle.  The  affianced  bride  uncomplainingly 
clasped  her  departing  lover  for  the  last  time  in  her  arms ; 
without  fear  for  the  fate  of  his  wife  and  children,  the  husband 
and  father  embraced  his  dear  ones,  and  his  wife  did  not  at- 
tempt to  dissuade  him.  She  would  have  despised  him  if  he 
desired  to  remain,  and  loved  his  wife  and  his  children  more 
devotedly  than  his  country,  calling  to  him  in  the  hour  of  her 
peril. 

Four  days  had  not  yet  elapsed  since  the  publication  of  the 
manifesto  of  the  king,  when  there  stood  on  the  Gendarmes 
market  at  Berlin  one  hundred  and  fifty  young  volunteers, 
who,  within  a  few  days,  had  fully  armed  and  equipped  them- 
selves,  either  from  their  own  means,  or  with  the  assistance  of 
friends,  and  who  were  now  about  to  march  to  Potsdam  in 
order  to  set  out  with  a  company  of  ninety  volunteers,  which 
had  been  recruited  in  that  city  for  the  king's  headquarters  at 


THE  MANIFESTO.  219 

Breslau.*  All  Berlin  wished  to  participate  in  the  farewell  of 
this  first  company  of  volunteers  which  were  sent  to  its  king. 
Every  one  desired  once  more  to  shake  hands  with  the  coura- 
geous defenders  of  the  country— to  shout  a  love-greeting,  a  last 
wish  to  them,  and  bless  the  soldiers  of  the  fatherland.  The 
windows  of  the  houses  on  the  Gendarmes  market  were  there- 
fore filled  with  ladies  and  children,  who  greeted  the  departing 
volunteers  with  their  handkerchiefs,  with  wreaths  and  flowers; 
the  church  bells  were  ringing  in  their  honor,  and  the  fathers 
of  the  city,  the  burgomasters,  and  other  members  of  the  mu- 
nicipality, adorned  with  their  golden  chains,  were  assembled 
on  the  market-place  to  conduct  the  young  soldiers,  in  the 
name  of  the  city,  to  the  gate,  and  behind  them  a  dense  multi- 
tude filled  the  square.  Those  remaining  looked  gloomy,  and 
envied  their  brethren,  because  they  were  to  take  the  field  at 
so  early  a  day ;  wishing  them  joy,  they  shouted :  "  Prepare 
quarters  for  us;  we  shall  soon  follow  you!" 

The  church  bells  were  ringing,  and  amid  their  solemn  peals 
and  the  deafening  cheers  of  the  many  thousands  who  nodded 
to  them  in  the  streets,  and  from  the  windows  of  the  houses, 
the  young  soldiers  left  the  Gendarmes  market,  escorted  by  the 
members  of  the  municipality.  They  did  not,  however,  march 
directly  to  the  Potsdam  gate.  They  would  not  leave  Berlin 
without  receiving  the  blessing  of  the  Church,  and  this  was  to 
be  given  by  the  man  who  read  to  them  the  manifesto  four 
days  before,  and  who  had  exhorted  them  to  comply  with  the 
call  of  their  country.  A  committee,  appointed  by  the  young 
volunteers,  had  therefore  waited  on  Schleiermacher,  and  re- 
quested him  to  give  the  blessing  of  the  Church  to  their  grave 
undertaking,  and  he  gladly  granted  their  request.  The  pro- 
cession marched  to  Trinity  church.  There  were  waiting  their 
mothers,  sisters,  and  brides,  greeting  them  with  loving 
glances,  and  beckoning  them  to  occupy  the  reserved  places, 
embracing  and  praying  hand  in  hand  with  them  for  the  last 
time.  The  organ  poured  forth  its  solemn  concords,  and  from 
all  lips  burst  forth  the  anthem  of  "In  alien  meinen  Thaten 
lass  ich  den  Hochsten  rathen."  f  The  last  notes  of  the  music 
had  not  yet  died  away,  when  the  noble  face  of  Schleiermacher 
appeared  in  the  pulpit.  His  eyes  were  beaming  as  never  be- 
fore ;  his  voice  was  never  so  fervent  and  powerful,  nor  had  he 

*  Nine  thousand  young  men  volunteered  at  Berlin  in  the  first  three  days  after 
the  manifesto  was  issued,  and  active  preparations  were  made  to  uniform  and  equip 
them  at  the  earliest  moment. 

t  "  In  all  my  deeds,  I  let  the  Highest  counsel. " 


220  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ever  spoken  with  such  irresistible  eloquence,  energy,  and 
courage,  as  on  that  day.  A  profound  silence  reigned  in  the 
vast  building;  every  one  listened  eagerly  to  the  inspiring 
words  of  the  prophet  of  a  new  and  better  era,  and  inwardly 
resolved  to  remember  the  stirring  exhortations  which  Schleier- 
macher  now,  in  concluding  his  sermon,  addressed  to  the  young 
men,  that  they  may  remain  pure  and  true  in  the  service  of 
so  righteous  a  cause.  The  thoughts  of  the  audience  were 
with  God;  to  Him  their  hearts  had  all  turned.  But  now 
Schleiermacher's  voice  grew  softer;  his  eyes,  which  had 
hitherto  been  raised  toward  heaven,  looked  upon  the  wives 
and  mothers,  who  sat  in  long  lines  before  him.  "  Rejoice  in 
the  Lord,  ye  mothers,"  he  said,  "blessed  are  you  in  having 
given  birth  to  such  sons !  blessed  your  breasts  that  nourished 
such  children!  God  gave  them  to  you,  and  you  give  them  to 
the  fatherland!  Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  for  He  will  achieve 
great  things  through  them!  Rejoice,  and  do  not  weep!" 
But  now  they  could  restrain  no  longer  their  tears  and  sobs. 
The  words  addressed  to  them  had  touched  their  feelings. 
They  felt  their  hearts'  wounds,  and  wept  aloud.  An  electric 
shock,  as  it  were,  pervaded  the  whole  assembly;  not  an  eye 
remained  dry,  not  a  heart  was  unmoved;  even  Schleier- 
macher's voice  was  tremulous  when  he  uttered  his  "Amen!" 

They  departed  from  the  church  to  the  Potsdam  gate,  and 
along  the  road  leading  to  Potsdam,  continuing  their  march 
on  the  following  day,  after  being  joined  by  the  company 
which  La  Motte  Fouqu6  had  recruited  in  that  city.  The 
grief  of  their  separation  from  their  dear  ones  was  forgotten  a» 
they  hastened  toward  the  future — a  future  of  battles  and 
victories. 

"  Now,  no  more  tears,  no  more  sighs !  Let  us  sing  a  merry 
song!"  said  the  young  volunteers. 

"  Yes.  Where  is  a  poet  who  can  sing  us  a  song  such  as  we 
need  now?" 

"Fouqu6  is  here;  let  him  sing!  Yes,  Fouque  is  among 
us!  We  have  elected  him  captain!  He  is  a  chivalrous  sol- 
dier, and  gained  his  spurs  in  1794,  during  the  war  against  the 
French.  He  deserves  to  be  our  captain !" 

"But  he  deserves,  too,  to  be  our  bard,  for  by  his  'Undine' 
he  has  also  won  his  laurels  as  a  poet." 

"Let  us  have  a  song,  brave  La  Motte  Fouqu6!"  shouted  all 
the  volunteers.  "  There  is  Father  Jahn,  who  will  persuade 
him.  Ask  FonquS  to  sing  us  a  war-song!" 


THE  MANIFESTO.  221 

Jahn  galloped  up  to  the  poet,  who  was  riding  in  thoughtful 
silence  at  the  head  of  his  company;  it  is  true,  he  had  heard 
the  solicitations  of  the  young  men,  but  continued  his  way, 
smiling  and  muttering  to  himself.  "  Fouque,"  shouted  Jahn, 
in  his  stentorian  voice;  "do  you  not  hear  the  requests  of  our 
bold  youths?  Give  some  expression  to  the  enthusiasm  burn- 
ing in  their  hearts.  Let  us  have  a  song,  then,  my  poet!" 

"Well,"  replied  Fouque,  quickly  raising  his  head,  and 
smiling  on  his  friend ;  "  I  have  just  composed  a  poem.  Lis- 
ten to  me,  my  friends!"  He  turned  his  horse,  and  in  a 
loud  voice  commanded  the  volunteers  to  halt. 

"  You  wish  me  to  sing.  I  will  give  you  a  song  just  as  it 
has  sprung  up  in  my  heart  during  the  march,  and  I  have  also 
composed  the  air.  When  I  have  finished  repeat  it  with  me!" 
And  he  began  to  sing  in  a  powerful  voice : 

"  Frisch  auf  zum  frohlichen  Jagen, 

Es  1st  schon  an  der  Zeit ! 
Es  f  angt  schon  an  zu  tagen, 
Der  Kampf  1st  nicht  mehr  weit  t 

*' Auf  lasst  die  Faulen  liegen, 

GOnnt  ihnen  ihre  Ruh; 
Wir  rticken  in  it  Vergnugen 
Dem  lieben  Konig  zu. 

"  Der  Konig  hat  gesprochen : 

Wo  sind  meine  Jager  nun? 
Da  sind  wir  aufgebrochen, 
Ein  wackeres  Werk  zu  thun. 

**  Wir  woll'n  ein  Heil  erbauen 
Fflr  all  das  deutsche  Land, 
Im  frohen  Gottvertrauen 
Mit  rUstig  starker  Hand. 

"  Schlaft  ruhig  nun,  Ihr  Lieben ! 

Am  vaterlichen  Heerd, 
Derweil  mit  Feindeshieben 
Wir  ringen  Keck  bewehrt. 

*'  O  Wonne  die  zu  schiitzen, 

Die  uns  das  Liebste  sind  I 
Hei !  Lasst  Kanonen  blitzen, 
Ein  frommer  muth  gewinnt ! 

"  Die  mehrsten  zieh'n  einst  wieder 

Zurflck  in  Siegerreih'n; 
Dann  tonen  Jubellieder 
Dess'  wird'ne  Freude  sein ! 

"  Wie  gliih'n  davon  die  Herzen 

So  froh  und  stark  und  weich. 
Wer  fallt,  der  kann's  verschmerzen, 
Der  hat  das  Himmelreich  I "  * 

*  La  Motte  Fouqu6  composed  this  poem  on  the  march  from  Potsdam  to  Breslau, 
whither  he  conducted  the  first  companies  of  volunteers.  It  was  the  first  song  of 
liberty  published  in  1813: 

Mount  I  mount !  for  sacred  freedom  fight ! 
The  battle  soon  must  be. 


222  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

CHAPTER    XXIII. 

LEONORA   PROHASKA. 

OLD  Sergeant  Prohaska  sat  sad  and  musing  in  his  old  easy- 
chair  near  the  stove ;  before  him  lay  a  copy  of  the  Vossische 
Zeitung,  which  he  had  just  perused.  He  laid  it  aside  with  a 
sigh;  supporting  his  head  on  the  leathern  cushion,  he  puffed 
clouds  of  smoke  from  his  short  clay  pipe.  Close  to  him,  at 
the  small  table  standing  in  the  niche  of  the  only  window 
which  admitted  light  into  the  small,  dark  room,  sat  a  young 
girl,  busily  engaged  in  drawing  threads  from  a  large  piece  of 
linen,  and  putting  them  carefully  on  the  pile  of  lint  on  the 
table.  She  was  scarcely  eighteen  years  old,  but  her  noble, 
pale  countenance  wore  an  expression  of  boldness  and  energy ; 
her  forehead  was  high,  and  vigorous  thoughts  seemed  to  dwell 
there.  Large  black  eyes  were  flashing  under  her  finely-arched 
eyebrows,  which  almost  touched  each  other  above  her  beauti- 
fully-chiselled, slightly-curved  nose.  Round  her  crimson  lips 
was  an  expression  of  melancholy,  and  her  cheeks  seemed  to 

The  night  is  past,  and  red  the  light 
Streams  o'er  the  dewy  lea. 

Up  !  let  the  coward  idlers  sleep  1 

Who  envies  them  their  rest  ? 
We  march  with  joyful  bearts  to  keep 

Our  honored  king's  request. 

To  us  he  said  :  "  My  brave  ones  all ! — 

My  chasseurs  !  where  are  they  ? " 
Responsive  to  his  patriot  call 

We  hastened  to  obey. 

We  vowed  to  strike  with  mighty  hand 

As  it  becomes  the  free — 
A  safeguard  for  our  native  land 

With  Heaven's  grace  to  be. 

Sleep  calmly,  wives  and  children  dear  I 

To  God  your  sorrows  tell. 
The  hour,  alas  !  of  blood  is  near, 

But  all  your  fears  dispel. 

Approved  we  hasten  to  the  field  ; 

What  though  the  strife  begins  ! 
'Tis  joy  our  loved  ones  thus  to  shield, 

For  pious  courage  wins. 

Returning,  all  may  not  be  found  ! 

But  some,  in  glory's  grave, 
Shall  never  hear  the  songs  resound 

Of  those  they  died  to  save. 

Come,  glowing  heart !  despise  the  nain 

Of  death ;  for,  evermore. 
Shall  he  who  falls,  a  kingdom  gain 

On  heaven's  eternal  shore  1 


LEONORA  PROHASEA.  223 

have  been  bleached  by  grief  rather  than  sickness.  She  was 
tall  and  well  formed,  but  her  whole  appearance  was  more 
remarkable  for  the  stern  and  heroic  character  it  indicated 
than  for  grace  and  loveliness.  While  she  was  thus  at  work, 
and  engaged  in  preparing  lint,  troubled  thoughts  seemed  to 
pass  from  time  to  time  across  her  face,  and  she  raised  her 
eyes  to  heaven  with  an  angry  and  reproachful  expression.  She 
impulsively  cast  aside  the  linen,  and  jumped  up.  "No, 
father,"  she  exclaimed,  drawing  a  deep  breath,  "I  cannot 
bear  it  any  longer!" 

"  What  is  it  that  you  cannot  bear  any  longer,  Leonora?" 
exclaimed  her  father,  surprised. 

"  To  sit  here  and  prepare  lint  while  the  whole  world  is  astir, 
while  every  heart  is  swelling  with  patriotism  and  warlike  en- 
thusiasm !  And  I  cannot  do  any  thing,  I  cannot  join  in  the 
universal  exultation — I  can  do  nothing  but  prepare  lint! 
Father,  it  is  heart-rending,  and  I  cannot  bear  it!" 

"Must  not  I  bear  it?"  asked  her  father  in  a  tremulous 
voice.  "  Must  not  I  sit  still  behind  the  stove,  while  all  my 
old  comrades  are  taking  up  arms  and  marching  into  the  field? 
My  right  leg  was  buried  at  Jena,  and  I  must  limp  about  now 
as  a  miserable  cripple ;  I  cannot  even  take  revenge  for  the 
disgrace  of  Jena ;  I  cannot  even  pay  the  French  for  my  leg  by 
cutting  off  the  heads  of  some  of  their  accursed  soldiers.  I  am 
a  cripple,  while  others  are  hastening  into  the  field !  When  1 
must  bear  that,  a  girl  like  you  ought  assuredly  not  to 
complain." 

"  Father,"  said  Leonora,  with  flashing  eyes,  "  do  not  despise 
me  because  I  am  a  girl !  Did  you  not  tell  me  of  the  heroic 
women  of  Spain  and  the  Tyrol,  and  of  their  glorious  deeds? 
Did  you  not  tell  me  that,  by  their  intrepid  patriotism,  they 
had  set  a  sublime  example  to  the  men,  and  that  by  their  in- 
fluence their  country  was  to  be  saved  ?  Was  not  the  heroine 
of  Saragossa  a  woman?  Did  not  women  and  girls  fight  like 
heroes  in  the  gorges  of  the  Tyrol?" 

"  Yes,  that  is  true, "  exclaimed  her  father,  smiling,  "  but 
then  they  were  Spanish  and  Tyrolese  girls.  They  have  fire 
in  their  veins,  and  love  their  country  with  an  undying 
patriotism." 

"  Ah,  one  need  not  be  born  in  the  South  to  have  warm 
blood,"  exclaimed  Leonora,  ardently „  "  It  is  not  the  sun  that 
gives  love  of  country,  and  patriotic  hearts  may  throb  even 
under  the  snow." 


224  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Have  you  such  a  heart,  Leonora?"  asked  her  father,  cast- 
ing on  her  a  long  and  searching  look. 

"Father,"  she  said,  pressing  her  hands  on  her  bosom, 
"there  is  something  burning  here  like  fire;  and  at  times 
when  I  hear  how  all  are  rallying  round  the  flag — and  how  the 
warlike  enthusiasm  is  pervading  the  whole  country,  I  feel  as 
if  the  blood  would  burst  from  my  heart  and  head.  It  is  true 
I  am  no  Spanish  girl,  but  I  am  a  Prussian  girl!" 

"Ah,  I  would  you  were  a  Prussian  boy!"  sighed  her  father, 
shaking  his  head.  "  If  you  were,  I  believe  you  would  look 
well  in  the  ranks  of  the  volunteers;  they  would  not  likely 
reject  the  young  soldier  of  eighteen." 

"I  am  quite  tall  and  strong,  although  I  am  but  a  girl," 
exclaimed  Leonora,  with  flashing  eyes;  "I  have  seen  among 
the  soldiers  who  started  yesterday  many  volunteers  who  were 
a  great  deal  shorter  and  slighter  than  I  am." 

"  But,  at  all  events,  they  had  shorter  hair  and  a  stronger 
voice  than  you  have,"  laughed  her  father. 

"Oh,  I  can  cut  off  my  hair,"  she  said,  quickly;  "and  as 
for  my  voice,  Kalbaum,  the  tailor,  who  accompanied  the 
volunteers,  has  a  voice  no  stronger  than  mine,  and  yet  he  was 
accepted.  And  then — " 

"Hush!"  interposed  her  father  quickly.  "I  hear  your 
mother  coming.  Do  not  speak  of  such  things  when  she  is 
present.  It  would  alarm  her.  Bold  thoughts  must  be  locked 
up  in  our  hearts,  for,  if  we  speak  of  them,  it  looks  like  brag- 
gadocio ;  we  are  only  allowed  to  speak  of  bold  deeds.  Do  not 
forget  that,  my  daughter,  and  give  me  a  kiss!"  Leonora  has- 
tened to  her  father,  and  encircling  him  with  her  arms,  pressed 
a  glowing  kiss  on  the  lips  of  the  old  invalid. 

"Father, "she  whispered,  "I  believe  you  understand  me, 
and  can  read  my  thoughts!" 

"God  alone  is  able  to  read  our  thoughts,"  said  her  father, 
solemnly,  "  and  it  is  only  from  Him  that  we  must  not  conceal 
any  thing.  But  what  is  that?  Is  not  your  mother  weeping 
outside?"  And  old  Prohaska  jumped  up  and  limped,  as 
quickly  as  his  wooden  leg  permitted,  toward  the  door. 

At  this  moment  the  door  was  noisily  opened,  and  a  woman 
appeared  on  the  threshold.  Behind  her  was  a  tall,  slender, 
and  pale  boy,  scarcely  fourteen  years  of  age.  Both  entered 
the  room  with  tearful  eyes  and  loud  lamentations. 

"  Wife,  what  is  the  matter — what  has  happened?"  exclaimed 
Old  Prohaska,  anxiously. 


LEONORA  PROHASKA.  225 

"Why  do  you  weep,  my  brother?"  asked  Leonora,  hasten- 
ing to  the  boy,  and  clasping  him  in  her  arms.  He  laid  his 
head  on  her  breast  and  wept  aloud. 

"  "What  has  happened  ?"  wailed  his  mother.  "  All  our  hopes 
are  blasted;  we  have  been  rejected!" 

"Eejected?  Where?  And  by  whom?"  asked  the  invalid, 
in  amazement. 

"By  the  military  commission!"  cried  his  wife,  drying  her 
tears  with  her  long  apron. 

"  What  did  you  want  of  the  military  commission?  Did  you 
desire  to  become  a  vivandiere,  old  woman?" 

"  No,  but  Charles  wanted  to  enlist,  father!  Yes,  you  must 
know  all  now.  We  thought  we  would  prepare  a  joyous  sur- 
prise for  you,  but  the  good  Lord  and  the  military  commission 
would  not  let  us  do  so»  Look,  old  man !  I  perceived  very 
well  how  painful  it  was  to  you,  and  how  it  was  gnawing  at 
your  heart,  that  your  wooden  leg  compels  you  to  remain  here 
at  Potsdam,  and  prevents  your  marching  out  with  the  soldiers 
who  are  hurrying  to  the  headquarters  of  their  king  at 
Breslau." 

"  Yes,  it  is  true,  it  is  very  sad !  My  general,  old  Blucher, 
under  whom  I  fought  in  1806,  is  also  at  Breslau,  and  what 
will  he  say  when  he  looks  for  his  old  hussars  of  1806,  and 
does  not  find  Prohaska!  He  will  say,  'Prohaska  has  become 
a  coward — a  lazy  old  good-for-nothing. '" 

"No,  father,  he  will  not  say  so,"  exclaimed  Leonora, 
ardently;  "if  he  knows  you,  he  cannot  say  so. — But  speak, 
mother,  tell  us  what  makes  you  weep,  and  what  has  so  afflicted 
my  dear  brother?" 

"Both  of  us  noticed  father's  secret  grief,  and  compre- 
hended how  painful  it  was  for  him  to  be  unable  to  participate 
in  the  war,"  said  her  mother.  "I  had  not  mentioned  it  to 
any  one,  and  to  God  alone  I  had  complained  how  grievous  it 
is  that  I  have  no  full-grown  son,  who,  instead  of  his  father, 
might  serve  his  king  at  the  present  time.  Last  night,  when 
all  of  you  were  asleep,  Charles  came  to  my  bedside.  'Mother,' 
he  said  to  me,  'mother,  I  must  tell  you  something!  I  will 
and  must  enlist !  It  would  be  an  eternal  disgrace  for  me  to 
stay  at  home,  particularly  as  father  is  disabled,  and  cannot 
fight  any  more.  Mother,  the  honor  of  the  family  is  at  stake ; 
I  must  enlist  or  die!'  " 

"Ah,  you  are  a  true  brother  of  mine,"  exclaimed  Leonora, 
with  a  radiant  face,  drawing  the  boy  closer  to  her  heart. 


226  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"And  what  did  you  reply  to  Charles,  mother?"  asked  the 
invalid. 

" '  You  are  my  only  son,  and  my  heart  would  break  if  I 
should  lose  you.  But  you  are  right;  it  would  be  a  disgrace 
for  our  whole  family  if  it  did  not  furnish  a  single  soldier  to 
the  king  and  the  fatherland,  and  if  no  substitute  should  enlist 
in  your  father's  place,  and  revenge  him  on  the  French  for 
crippling  him  at  Jena.  I  will  go  with  you  to  the  military 
commission  to-morrow,  and  we  will  pray  the  gentlemen  to 
accept  you,  although  you  are  still  under  age.  We  will  pray 
them  until  they  overlook  your  youth  and  enroll  your  name. 
But  say  nothing  about  it  to  father  until  we  have  been  success- 
ful ;  then,  tell  him  all. ' ' 

"And  you  really  went  with  him  to  the  commission?"  asked 
the  old  man,  hastily. 

His  wife  responded  by  nodding  and  sighing,  and  burst 
again  into  tears. 

"Yes,  father,"  exclaimed  the  boy,  raising  his  head  from 
Leonora's  shoulder,  and  drying  his  eyes  with  an  angry  ges- 
ture, "  we  went  to  the  military  commission.  We  begged,  im- 
plored, and  wept !  It  was  all  in  vain !  They  said  they  were 
not  allowed  to  accept  boys  of  fourteen ;  I  was  too  young,  and 
looked  too  feeble.  In  our  despair  we  went  to  Eylert,  the 
preacher,  and  begged  him  to  intercede  for  me.  He  is  alwaya 
kind  to  me,  and  often  praises  me  for  my  industry  in  prepar- 
ing for  confirmation.  I  revealed  my  whole  heart  to  him ;  I 
told  him  I  must  consider  myself  disgraced,  if  now,  that  every 
one  who  is  not  a  coward  is  taking  the  sword,  I  am  compelled 
to  go  to  school.  I  told  him  I  should  not  dare  to  raise  my 
eyes,  and  should  think  all  the  inhabitants  would  point  with 
their  fingers  at  me ;  the  children  in  the  streets  would  deride 
me,  and  the  old  men  would  contemptuously  avert  their  heads 
when  I  passed  them." 

"  Ah,  my  beloved  brother,"  exclaimed  Leonora,  enthusias- 
tically, "hitherto  I  have  loved  you  as  a  child,  but  henceforth 
I  shall  love  as  a  hero!" 

"But  it  was  all  in  vain,"  cried  Charles,  sobbing  aloud  in 
his  grief  and  anger.  "  Even  M.  Eylert  could  not  give  us  any 
comfort.  He  said  it  was  impossible  for  the  commission  to 
accept  me,  for,  though  they  overlooked  my  youth  and  my 
somewhat  feeble  health,  they  could  not  enroll  me  because  I 
had  not  yet  been  confirmed.  But  as  we  begged  so  very  hard, 
and  shed  so  many  tears,  M.  Eylert  had  at  last  pity  on  me,  and 


LEONORA  PROHASKA.  227 

went  with  us  once  more  to  the  military  commission.  But  it 
was  of  no  avail.  I  am  under  age  and  have  no  certificate  of 
confirmation,  and  M.  Eylert's  intercession  was  fruitless.* 
They  rejected  me!  Father,  what  am  I  to  do  now?  I  am 
doomed  to  remain  here  at  Potsdam,  with  my  tall  figure,  which 
Till  charge  me  with  cowardice  in  the  eyes  of  every  one,  while 
my  schoolmates,  who  are  much  shorter  than  I  am,  are  allowed 
to  enlist  and  fight  for  their  country.  Oh,  mother,  why  am  I 
not  your  eldest  child?  Then  I  should  be  preserved  from  the 
disgrace  of  running  about  as  a  coward,  or  of  being  obliged  to 
have  my  certificate  of  birth  constantly  in  my  pocket!" 

"  My  brother,"  said  Leonora,  laying  her  strong  white  hand 
on  her  brother's  light  hair,  "  if  I  could  give  you  the  four 
years  by  which  I  am  older  than  you,  I  would  do  so,  though  it 
should  cost  me  my  life,  for  I  comprehend  your  grief.  But  I 
am  innocent  of  your  affliction,  and  I  pray  you,  therefore,  not 
to  be  angry  with  me.  It  was  God's  will  that  I  should  be 
older,  and  have  your  place.  You  must  take  into  consider- 
ation that  the  war  may  last  a  long  time ;  six  months  hence 
you  will  be  confirmed,  and  then  it  will  be  time  for  you  to 
enlist  in  the  king's  army,  and  fight  for  liberty.  Besides,  my 
dear  brother,  it  is  not  even  settled  yet  whether  all  these  war- 
like preparations  are  really  intended  for  France.  To  be  sure, 
every  one  is  in  hope  that  such  is  the  case,  but  as  yet  no  one  is 
sure  of  it,  for  the  king  has  not  declared  his  intentions,  and 
he  is  still  at  peace  with  France." 

"No,  the  king  has  declared  his  intentions,"  cried  Charles, 
impetuously.  "  And  that  is  exactly  what  causes  my  distress 
and  my  despair.  It  is  certain  now  that  there  will  be  war  with 
France.  You  do  not  know,  then,  what  has  occurred?" 

"No,"  exclaimed  father  and. daughter  at  the  same  time, 
"  we  do  not — we  have  not  yet  seen  any  one.  Tell  us  the  news, 
Charles." 

"  Well,  we  heard  already  at  the  office  of  the  military  com- 
mission that  a  courier  had  just  arrived  from  Breslau,  and 
brought  a  proclamation,  addressed  by  the  king  to  his  people; 
they  said  it  had  immediately  been  sent  to  the  printing-office, 
and  was  to  be  posted  on  all  the  street  corners.  The  courier, 
besides,  brought  the  news  that  the  Emperor  of  Eussia  had 
arrived  at  Breslau,  and  that  the  first  visit  was  to  Baron  von 
Stein,  who  secretly  lived  at  Breslau." 

"Hurrah!"  shouted  old  Prohaska.     "  Prussia  is  safe  now, 

*  Eylert,  "Frederick  William  HI.,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  160. 


228  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

for  Baron  von  Stein  is  back  again,  and  he  will  know  how  to 
expel  Napoleon  and  his  French  from  the  country.  Where 
Minister  von  Stein  is  he  tolerates  no  French,  and  that  is  the 
reason  why  Bonaparte  hates  him,  and  has  always  been  afraid 
of  him.  My  boy,  this  is  glorious  news !  Stein  is  back  again ; 
now  we  shall  be  all  right!  Have  you  any  other  news?" 

"  Yes,  there  is  a  great  deal  yet,  father,  but  the  tears  burst 
from  my  eyes  when  I  think  of  it,  because  I  am  unable  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  struggle." 

"  Oh,  what  is  it?"  begged  Leonora.  "  What  else  has  hap- 
pened at  Breslau?" 

"Well,"  said  Charles,  in  a  tremulous  and  melancholy  voice, 
"  the  courier  reports  that  many  hundreds  of  volunteers  are 
arriving  every  day,  not  only  from  all  parts  of  Prussia,  but  the 
whole  of  Germany,  and  that  the  city  is  rejoicing  as  though  a 
festival  were  to  be  celebrated,  and  not  as  though  we  were  on 
the  eve  of  a  terrible  war.  Above  all,  there  is  Major  von 
Liitzow,  round  whose  standard  hosts  of  young  men  are  rally- 
ing, enlisting  a  corps  of  volunteer  riflemen,  to  whom  he  has 
given  the  name  of  'The  Legion  of  Vengeance.'  They  are  to 
wear  a  black  uniform  as  sign  of  the  sorrow  and  disgrace  that 
have  weighed  down  the  fatherland  since  1806,  and  which  they 
intend  to  avenge  before  discarding  it." 

"  Oh,  that  is  a  grand  idea,"  exclaimed  Leonora,  with  flash- 
ing eyes.  "  To  march  out  in  mourning — to  rush  to  the  battle- 
field like  angels  of  death  and  shout,  'We  are  the  legion  of 
avengers,  sent  by  Prussia  to  atone  for  her  disgrace!  Our 
uniform  is  black,  but  we  intend  to  dye  it  red  in  the  blood  of 
the  French!'  And  then  to  fight  exultantly  in  the  thickest  of 
the  fray  for  the  fatherland,  and  for  our  queen,  whose  heart 
was  broken  by  the  national  dishonor  and  wretchedness!  Oh, 
it  must  be  blissful,  indeed,  to  march  with  that  legion  to 
avenge  the  tears  of  Queen  Louisa,  and — " 

"But  Leonora!"  cried  her  mother,  staring  in  amazement 
at  the  young  girl  who  stood  before  her  with  glowing  cheeks, 
panting  bosom,  and  uplifted  right  arm,  as  if  she  had  just 
drawn  the  sword — "but,  Leonora!  what  is  the  matter  with 
you?  What  does  your  impulsiveness  mean?  Has  Charles  in- 
fected you  with  his  enthusiasm?  Do  you  want  to  increase  the 
excitement  and  despair  of  the  poor  boy?  He  cannot  join  the 
'Legion  of  Venegance ;'  he  cannot  be  one  of  Liitzow's  riflemen !" 

"No,"  said  Leonora,  vehemently  and  almost  triumphantly, 
"  he  cannot  be  one  of  Liitzow's  riflemen  1" 


JOAN  OF  ORLEANS.  229 

"  Leonora!"  cried  her  father,  in  a  warning  tone,  "  Leonora, 
what  are  you  saying?" 

She  started  and  dropped  her  arm.  "  It  is  true,"  she  mut- 
tered to  herself,  "we  should  not  betray  our  thoughts;  God 
alone  must  know  them." 

Her  father  limped  to  her,  and,  laying  his  hands  on  her 
shoulder,  looked  into  her  excited  and  glowing  face.  "  Come, 
my  daughter,"  he  said,  "let  us  go  out  into  the  street  and  read 
what  the  king  says  to  his  people.  For  I  believe  the  king's 
proclamation  must  have  been  printed  by  this  time.  Come, 
Leonora!" 

"  No,  it  is  unnecessary  for  you  to  go  into  the  street  for  that 
purpose,  father,"  said  Charles,  "we  have  brought  a  copy  of 
the  proclamation ;  the  man  who  was  to  post  them  gave  us  one 
for  you,  saying  it  would  no  doubt  gladden  your  heart.  Where 
did  you  leave  it,  mother?" 

"I  put  it  into  my  pocket.  Here  it  is!"  said  the  mother, 
taking  a  large  printed  sheet  from  the  pocket  hanging  under 
her  apron.  "There,  father,  read  it." 

The  old  man  took  the  paper  and  handed  it  to  Leonora. 
"  Read  it  to  us,  my  child,"  he  said,  tenderly.  "  I  like  best  to 
hear  from  your  lips  what  the  king  says  to  his  people." 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

JOAN   OF  ORLEANS. 

LEONORA  took  the  paper  and  read  as  follows,  with  crimson 
cheeks,  and  her  heart  aglow  with  enthusiasm : 

"  To  my  People  ! — I  need  not  state  the  causes  of  the  impend- 
ing war  either  to  my  faithful  people  or  to  the  Germans  in 
general.  Unprejudiced  Europe  is  fully  aware  of  them.  We 
succumbed  to  the  superior  strength  of  France.  The  peace 
which  wrested  from  me  one-half  of  my  subjects,  did  not  confer 
any  blessings  upon  us,  but  inflicted  deeper  wounds  upon  us 
than  war  itself.  The  enemy  was  bent  on  exhausting  the  re- 
sources of  the  country;  the  principal  fortresses  remained  in 
his  hands;  agriculture  was  paralyzed,  and  so  were  the  manu- 
factures of  our  cities,  which  had  formerly  reached  so  proud  an 
eminence ;  trade  was  everywhere  obstructed,  and  the  sources 
of  prosperity  were  thus  almost  entirely  ruined.  The  country 
was  rapidly  impoverished.  By  the  most  conscientious  fulfil- 


230  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ment  of  the  engagements  I  had  taken  upon  myself,  I  hoped  to 
mitigate  the  onerous  burdens  imposed  upon  my  people,  and 
to  convince  the  French  emperor  at  length  that  it  was  to  his 
own  advantage  to  leave  Prussia  in  the  enjoyment  of  her  in- 
dependence; but  my  best  intentions  were  foiled  by  arrogance 
and  perfidy;  and  we  saw  only  too  plainly  that  Napoleon's 
treaties,  even  more  than  his  wars,  would  slowly  and  surely 
ruin  us.  The  moment  has  come  when  all  deceptions  have 
ceased.  Brandenburgians,  Prussians,  Silesians,  Pomeranians, 
Lithuanians!  you  know  what  you  have  suffered  for  seven 
years  past ;  you  know  what  your  fate  would  be  if  we  should 
not  succeed  in  the  struggle  about  to  begin.  Remember  the 
history  of  the  past;  remember  the  noble  elector;  the  great  and 
victorious  Frederick ;  remember  what  our  ancestors  conquered 
with  their  blood — freedom  of  conscience,  honor,  independence, 
commerce,  industry,  and  science;  remember  the  great  exam- 
ples of  our  powerful  allies,  especially  the  Spaniards  and  the 
Portuguese.  Even  smaller  nations,  for  the  same  blessings, 
entered  into  a  desperate  struggle  with  more  powerful  foes,  and 
achieved  a  glorious  victory.  Eemember  the  heroic  Swiss  and 
Dutch.  Great  sacrifices  will  be  required  of  all  classes,  for  our 
undertaking  is  a  great  one,  and  the  numbers  and  resources  of 
our  enemies  are  not  to  be  underrated.  You  will  prefer  to 
make  these  sacrifices  for  the  fatherland  and  your  legitimate 
king  rather  than  for  a  foreign  ruler,  who,  as  is  proved  by 
many  examples,  would  devote  your  sons  and  your  last  re- 
sources to  objects  entirely  foreign  to  you.  Confidence  in  God, 
courage,  perseverance,  and  the  assistance  of  our  allies,  will 
crown  our  honest  exertions  with  victory.  But  whatever  sac- 
rifices may  be  required,  they  are  not  equivalent  to  the  sacred 
objects  for  which  we  make  them,  and  for  which  we  must  fight 
and  conquer,  if  we  do  not  wish  to  cease  being  Prussians  and 
Germans.  It  is  the  last,  decisive  effort  which  we  make  for 
our  existence,  our  independence,  our  prosperity.  There  is  no 
other  issue  than  an  honorable  peace  or  a  glorious  overthrow 
You  would  not  shrink  even  from  the  latter,  for  honor's  sake. 
But  we  may  confidently  hope  for  the  best.  God  and  our  firm 
determination  will  make  us  victorious,  and  we  shall  then 
obtain  peace  and  the  return  of  happier  times. 

"FKEDEBICK  WILLIAM. 
"  BEESLAU,  March  17,  1813."  * 

*  This  proclamation  was  drawn  up  by  Counsellor  von  Hippel,  who  proposed  that  the 
king  should  apply  to  his  people  directly,  and  call  upon  them  to  rise  against  the  French. 
He  communicated  it  to  the  chancellor  of  state  at  one  of  the  conferences  held  ever; 


JOAN  OF  ORLEANS.  231 

A  panse  ensued  when  Leonora  ceased  reading.  Her  father, 
who  was  standing  by  her  side,  and  was  supporting  his  hands 
on  his  crutch,  heard  her  with  a  very  grave  face.  Her  mother 
sank  down  on  one  of  the  cane  chairs,  and  listened  devoutly, 
her  hands  clasped,  and  her  eyes  turned  toward  heaven ;  while 
her  son,  who  was  sitting  by  her  side,  leaned  his  arms  on  the 
table,  and  buried  his  face  in  his  hands. 

"  Is  that  all?"  asked  the  invalid,  after  a  while.  "  I  should 
really  like  to  hear  more  of  it,  for  it  sounds  as  sacred  as  a 
church  organ.  Did  you  read  it  all,  Leonora?" 

"  No,  father,  there  is  still  another  manifesto.  It  is  printed 
under  the  one  I  read  to  you.  You  yourself  must  read  it,  for 
my  heart  is  throbbing  as  if  about  to  burst.  In  his  second 
manifesto  the  king  orders  a  'landwehr'  and  a  'landsturm'  to 
be  formed.  Listen  to  what  he  says  at  the  end  of  this  second 
manifesto:  'My  cause,' he  says,  'is  the  cause  of  my  people, 
and  of  all  patriots  in  Europe. ' ' 

"Yes,  he  is  right,"  said  old  Prohaska;  "the  king's  cause  is 
our  cause!" 

"Queen  Louisa  died  for  us  all,"  exclaimed  Leonora;  "we 
should  all  join  the  Legion  of  Vengeance — that  is,  to  avenge 
her  death!" 

"And  I — I  cannot  do  any  thing,"  wailed  Charles,  raising 
his  face,  which  was  bathed  in  tears,  and  lifting  up  his  hands 
as  if  supplicating  God  to  help  him.  "  I  must  wait  and  suffer 
here ;  I  am  doomed  to  remain  a  boy  while  my  school-fellows 
have  become  men." 

"  Hush,"  said  his  mother,  "  an  idea  strikes  me ;  we  may,  after 
all,  be  somewhat  useful  to  our  country,  though  we  are  unable 
to  furnish  soldiers  for  it.  There  is  a  great  deal  to  be  done 
besides  fighting.  The  king's  manifesto  says  expressly:  'Great 
sacrifices  will  be  required  of  all  classes.'  Well,  then,  my  dear 
ones,  let  us  make  sacrifices  for  the  fatherland  and  our  king!" 

"  What  sacrifices  do  you  mean,  mother?"  asked  the  invalid. 
"  What  have  we,  if  we  cannot  furnish  any  soldiers?" 

"We  have  our  labor,"  exclaimed  his  wife,  with  pride. 
"  When  there  is  war,  and  battles  are  fought,  there  are 
wounded  soldiers,  I  suppose?" 

"Of  course,  and  cripples,  too,"  said  the  invalid,  pointing 
to  his  wooden  leg. 

evening  at  Breslau,  at  Hardenberg's  rooms,  in  presence  of  Gneisenau,  Scharnhorst, 
Thile,  and  a  few  others.  Hardenberg  and  all  the  rest  approved  it,  and  so  did  the  king, 
when  it  was  laid  before  him  on  the  following  day.— Vide  Hippel's  work  pa  the  "Life 
of  Frederick  William  in.,"  p.  63, 


282  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  And  the  wounded  are  brought  home  and  conveyed  to  the 
hospitals,  are  they  not?  Who  is  to  attend  to  them,  to  dress 
their  wounds,  give  them  food,  and  nurse  them?  We  women 
will  do  so !  That  is  our  task !  I  will  nurse  the  first  wounded 
brought  to  Potsdam.  The  first  maimed  soldier,  however, 
whom  I  meet  at  the  hospital,  and  whose  right  leg  has  been 
amputated  as  that  of  my  dear  husband,  we  shall  take  to  our 
house.  You  may  nurse  him  here,  old  man ;  console  him  and 
show  him  that  he  may  live  quite  happily,  though  with  but 
one  leg,  and  that  wife  and  children  will  love  their  husband 
and  father  no  less  ardently,  provided  he  is  a  true  man,  and 
has  a  courageous  heart." 

"You  are  right,  mother,"  exclaimed  Prohaska.  "Let  us 
take  a  wounded  soldier  into  our  house,  and  I  will  nurse  him 
as  a  brother,  teaching  him  how  to  use  his  wooden  leg,  while 
you  are  at  the  hospital,  attending  to  the  other  sufferers.  But 
you  have  not  thought  of  the  children.  What  are  Leonora  and 
Charles  to  do  while  we  are  thus  engaged?" 

"  They  can  help  us,"  said  his  wife,  quickly.  "  Leonora  will 
have  a  great  deal  to  do.  She  will  prepare  lint,  make  nourish- 
ing soups,  wash  bandages,  and  sew  shirts  and  clothing." 

The  invalid  cast  a  quick  glance  on  Leonora.  She  stood, 
drawn  up  to  her  full  height,  in  the  middle  of  the  room ;  a 
proud,  contemptuous  smile  was  playing  about  her  lips,  which 
uttered  no  word  in  reply  to  her  mother's  plans. 

"But  what  will  Charles  do?"  asked  Prohaska,  quickly. 
"  He  cannot  be  as  useful  as  his  sister." 

"Father!"  ejaculated  Leonora,  somewhat  reproachfully. 

"Hush!"  he  said,  almost  sternly,  "mother  is  right;  it 
behooves  you  women  to  prepare  lint,  cook  soups,  nurse  the 
wounded,  and  sew  shirts  for  them.  But  war  itself  is  the  task 
of  the  men.  But,  my  wife,  before  telling  me  what  Charles  is 
to  do  for  our  wounded,  I  must  ask  a  very  sad  question. 
Where  shall  we  find  money  for  the  expenses  we  shall  have  to 
incur?  We  are  unfortunately  poor,  dependent  on  the  labor 
of  our  hands.  This  small  house  and  my  pension  of  three  dol- 
lars a  month  constitute  our  whole  fortune,  and  if  you  were 
not  the  most  skilful  hair-dresser  in  Potsdam — if  I  could  not 
besides  earn  a  few  dollars  by  making  baskets,  and  if  Leonora 
were  not  the  best  seamstress  in  town,  I  should  like  to  know 
how  we  could  live  and  send  Charles  to  the  Lyceum.  But  if 
were  are  to  nurse  the  wounded,  and  devote  our  labor  to  them 
alone,  we  shall  unfortunately  soon  lack  the  necessaries  of  life." 


JOAN  OF  ORLEANS.  233 

"I  have  thought  of  all  that,  husband,"  said  his  wife, 
eagerly.  "  But,  listen  to  me !  Charles  wants  also  to  have  his 
share  in  our  sacrifices,  he  does  not  intend  to  be  idle  while  all 
are  at  work  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  country.  As  he 
cannot  enlist  and  fight,  he  must  use  his  head.  He  will,  there- 
fore, publish  this  advertisement:  'As  I  have  unfortunately 
been  rejected  by  the  military  commission  on  account  of  my 
youth,  and  because  I  have  not  yet  been  confirmed,  I  request 
generous  patriots  to  allow  me  to  give  private  lessons  to  their 
children,  that  I  may  earn  a  sufficient  sum  to  nurse  and  sup- 
port a  wounded  soldier  till  his  complete  recovery. '  " 

"Yes,  I  will  do  that!"  exclaimed  Charles.  "The  citizens 
will  learn  then  why  I  have  not  enlisted,  and  I  shall,  moreover, 
be  able  to  earn  money  for  the  country.  I  shall  certainly  get 
pupils,  for  my  teachers  are  pleased  with  me,  and  I  am  already 
in  the  first  class.  I  can  give  lessons  in  Latin,  Greek,  mathe- 
matics, and  history;  I  have  good  testimonials,  and,  for  the 
sake  of  the  noble  object  I  have  in  view,  parents  will  assuredly 
intrust  their  children  to  me,  and  pay  me  well  for  my  trouble." 

"All  of  you  will  have  employment,  then,"  said  Leonora, 
"  and  your  labor  will  benefit  the  country.  But  I  also  want  to 
render  myself  useful  to  the  country." 

"Well,  you  can  assist  me,"  said  her  mother;  "you  can  pre- 
pare food,  wash,  and  sew  shirts." 

"  However  industrious  I  might  be,  mother,  I  could  in  that 
way  earn  only  as  much  as  my  own  support  would  cost,"  said 
Leonora,  shaking  her  head.  "  I  can  be  of  no  use  to  you,  I  am 
superfluous;  I  will  go  therefore  to  another  place,  where  I  can 
render  myself  useful  and  make  money." 

"  But  whither  do  you  intend  to  go,  and  what  do  you  wish 
to  do?"  asked  her  mother  in  amazement,  while  her  father 
cast  searching  glances  upon  her. 

"  To  Berlin,  and  seek  a  situation  as  saleswoman,"  said  Leo- 
nora. "  What  money  I  earn  I  shall  send  to  you,  and  you  will 
spend  it  for  your  wounded  soldier.  You  know,  mother,  my 
godfather,  Eudolph  Werkmeister,  who  is  a  merchant  at  Ber- 
lin, has  often  asked  me  to  go  to  see  him,  and  take  such  a 
situation  at  his  house.  I  have  always  refused,  because  I  did 
not  like  to  leave  you,  but  thought  I  would  stay  with  you  and 
devote  my  whole  life  to  nursing  you ;  but  God  has  decreed 
otherwise.  Yesterday  my  godfather  wrote  again,  stating  that 
his  wife  had  been  taken  sick,  and  that  he  was  greatly  embar- 
rassed because  he  had  no  one  at  his  house  on  whom  he  could 
16 


234  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

depend.  He  offers  me  a  salary  of  eighty  dollars  a  year. 
Now,  I  pray  you,  dear  parents,  let  me  go!  Let  me  pursue 
my  own  paths,  and  do  my  duty  as  I  understand  it.  Dear 
mother,  I  am  sure  you  will  not  refuse  your  consent  ?  You 
will  permit  me  to  go  this  very  day  to  Berlin,  and  make  money 
for  our  wounded  soldiers?" 

"I  will,  my  child,"  said  her  mother,  her  voice  trembling 
with  emotion.  "  I  have  no  diamonds  and  golden  chains  to 
give  my  country,  so  I  give  to  it  the  most  precious  and  beauti 
ful  jewels  I  have — my  children.  Yes,  go,  my  Leonora;  take 
the  situation  offered  you,  and  give  the  money  you  earn  to  the 
fatherland  and  its  soldiers." 

"Oh,  thanks,  mother!"  exclaimed  Leonora,  hastening  to 
her  and  clasping  her  in  her  arms — "  thanks,  for  permitting 
me  to  put  my  mite  on  the  altar  of  the  country!"  She  kissed 
her  mother  with  fervent  tenderness,  and  then  turned  toAvard 
her  father.  "And  you,  father,"  she  said,  in  a  low  and  almost 
timid  tone — "  you  do  not  say  a  word — you  do  not  give  your 
consent." 

The  invalid  stood  leaning  on  his  crutch,  and  looked 
thoughtfully  into  the  noble  face  of  his  daughter.  He  then 
slowly  raised  his  right  hand  and  laid  it  on  Leonora's  shoul- 
der. "  I  repeat  what  your  mother  said.  Like  her,  I  have  no 
treasures  to  give  my  country  except  this  jewel,  my  Leonora ! 
Go,  my  daughter ! — do  what  you  believe  to  be  your  duty,  and 
may  God  bless  you !"  Opening  his  arms,  she  threw  herself 
into  them  and  leaned  her  head  on  his  breast. 

"And  now,"  said  Prohaska,  gently  disengaging  himself 
from  a  long  and  tearful  embrace,  "  let  us  be  calm.  These  are 
the  first  tears  I  have  wept  since  the  death  of  our  dear  Queen 
Louisa — the  first  for  your  sake,  my  Leonora !  May  the  Lord 
forgive  them  to  a  poor  father  who  has  but  one  daughter !  The 
heart  will  yield  to  its  emotions,  but  now  I  must  again  be  a 
soldier,  who  knows  no  tears!" 

"But,  husband,  Leonora  will  not  leave  us  immediately," 
said  her  mother.  "  She  must  remain  yet  a  day  with  us. 
Alas !  we  discover  what  treasures  we  possessed  only  when  we 
lose  them.  I  believe  I  have  never  loved  Leonora  so  intensely 
as  I  do  at  this  hour,  and  my  heart  is  unable  to  part  with  her 
so  suddenly.  I  must  first  accustom  myself  to  the  separation, 
and  engrave  her  image  upon  my  soul,  that  I  may  never  forget 
her  dear  features.  Let  her  stay,  then,  until  to-morrow!" 

The   invalid   gravely   shook    his   head.     "No,"   he   said; 


JOAN  OF  ORLEANS.  235 

"what  is  to  be  done  must  be  done  at  once;  otherwise,  our 
hearts  will  grow  weak,  and  our  tears  soften  our  resolutions. 
To-day  I  can  permit  Leonora  to  leave  us ;  whether  I  shall  be 
able  to  do  so  to-mororw,  I  do  not  know." 

"Father,  the  stage-coach  starts  for  Berlin  in  two  hours, 
and  I  shall  take  passage  in  it!"  exclaimed  Leonora,  quickly. 
"  You  are  right,  what  is  to  be  done  must  be  done  now,  and 
when  we  have  taken  a  resolution,  we  must  not  hesitate  to 
carry  it  into  effect.  I  will  go  to  my  chamber  and  pack  my 
trunk." 

"I  will  go  and  help  you,"  said  her  mother,  hastening 
toward  the  door,  and  leaving  the  room  with  Leonora. 

"And  I  will  write  my  advertisement,"  said  Charles.  "It 
must  be  published  to-morrow,  that  I  am  obliged  to  stay  here 
because  my  country  will  not  accept  me  as  a  soldier,  and  that 
I  desire  to  give  private  lessons,  the  proceeds  of  which  are  to 
be  devoted  to  the  support  of  a  wounded  soldier." 

"And  I — what  shall  I  do?"  asked  the  old  invalid,  when  he 
was  alone.  "  I  must  swallow  my  tears,  and  tell  no  one  my 
thoughts.  I  shall  quietly  accustom  myself  to  the  idea  that 
the  darling  of  my  heart,  my  Leonora,  is  to  leave  me,  and  that 
my  old  eyes  are  to  see  no  more  her  dear  face,  or  my  ears  hear 
her  voice.  Ah,  when  she  looked  at  me,  I  felt  as  though  it 
were  spring  in  my  heart,  and  the  sun  shining  there ;  and 
when  I  heard  her  voice  I  thought  it  music  rejoicing  my  soul. 
Now,  how  quiet  and  gloomy  all  around  me  will  be  in  the  small 
house — no  more  sunshine  or  music !  all  will  be  gone  when 
Leonora  is  gone.  And  will  she  come  back,  then? — will  not 
some  bullet,  some  sword-blade — hush,  my  thoughts!  I  must 
not  betray  them!  Be  still,  my  heart,  and  weep!  Be  still 
and — •"  Tears  choked  his  voice,  and  the  strong  man,  over- 
whelmed with  grief,  sank  into  his  easy-chair  and  sobbed 
aloud.  After  a  long  time  he  raised  himself  again  and  dried 
his  tears.  "Fie,  Sergeant  Prohaska!"  he  said  aloud.  "You 
sit  here  and  cry  like  an  old  woman,  and  wring  your  hands  in 
grief,  instead  of  being  glad  and  thanking  the  Lord  that  a 
substitute  has  been  found  for  the  invalid  sergeant  with  the 
wooden  leg.  Thunder  and  lightning,  Sergeant  Prohaska!  I 
advise  you  to  behave  yourself,  and  not  be  weak  and  foolish, 
while  women  are  becoming  men.  Keep  your  head  erect,  turn 
your  eyes  on  the  enemy,  and  then,  'Charge  them!'  as  old 
father  Blucher  used  to  say.  I  will  go  to  work  now,"  he  con- 
tinued, drawing  a  deep  breath,  after  repeatedly  pacing  the 


236  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

small  room  with  measured  steps.  "  Yes,  I  will  go  to  work, 
and  that  no  one  may  discover  that  I  have  wept,  I  will  sing  a 
beautiful  song  I  learned  yesterday  from  a  volunteer.  Yes,  I 
will  work  and  sing!"  He  hastened  to  the  chamber  adjoining 
the  sitting-room,  and  brought  from  it  a  neat  half-finished 
basket  upon  which  he  had  been  at  work  the  day  before.  "  It 
must  be  finished  to-day;  I  have  promised  it,"  he  said,  sitting 
down  on  his  old  easy-chair.  He  then  commenced  working 
assiduously,  and  sang  in  a  powerful  voice : 

"  Nun  mit  Gott !    Es  ist  beschlossen  ! 
Auf,  Ihr  wackern  Streitgenossen, 
Endlich  komint  der  Ehrentag  ! 
Besser  flugs  und  f  rohlich  sterben, 
Als  so  langsam  hin  verderben, 
Und  versiechen  in  der  Schmach. 

"  Endlich  darf  das  Herz  sich  regen, 
Sich  die  Zunge  frei  bewegen, 

Alle  Fesseln  sind  entzwei. 
Ach,  da  Alles  schier  zerstoben, 
Kam  der  Retterarm  from  oben, 

Neugeboren  sind  wir,  frei ! 

"  Tag  der  Freiheit,  Tag  der  Wonne  I 
Briider,  seht !  es  tanzt  die  Sonne, 

Wie  am  ersten  Ostertag  ! 
Todte  sprengen  ihre  Griifte, 
Und  durch  Berg  und  Thai  und  Kliifte 

Hallt  ein  freudig  Jauchzen  nach  1 

*'  Auferstanden,  auferstanden 
Aus  der  Knechtschaf  t  Todesbandeu, 

Streiter  Gottes,  nun  zu  Hauf  ! 
Unsre  Adler  !    Ha  sie  wittern 
Ihrer  Raub — die  Feinde  zittern, 

Unsre  Adler  f  ahren  auf  1 

"  Zu  den  Waff  en,  zu  den  Rossen, 
Auf,  Ihr  wackern  Kampfgenossen 

Er  ist  da,  Der  Ehrentag  ! 
Besser  flugs  und  f  rohlich  sterben, 
Als  so  langsam  hin  verderben, 

Uud  versiechen  in  der  Schmach  ! "  * 

"  Yes,  it  is  better  to  die  quickly  and  merrily  than  slowly 
pine  away  and  perish  in  disgrace,"  repeated  a  sonorous  voice 
behind  him.  It  was  Leonora,  who  had  just  entered  the  room, 
unnoticed  by  her  father,  and  had  listened  to  the  last  verse  of 
his  song.  "  Yes,  the  song  is  right,"  she  said,  enthusiastically. 
"  But  I,  father,  have  already  been  pining  away  for  a  long 

*  It  is  resolved  in  God's  great  name  1 
Up,  comrades  !  to  the  field  of  fame  1 

This  day  of  glory  save. 
Quickly  and  merrily  to  die 
Is  better  than  the  sick-bed  sigh, 

And  an  unhonored  grave. 

Our  heart  at  last  resumes  its  life — 
Our  tongues  now  urge  to  holy  strife  ; 
The  broken  chains  we  see. 


JOAN  OF  ORLEANS.  237 

time.  The  first  volunteer  I  saw  was  as  a  dagger  that  pierced 
my  soul,  and  ever  since  I  have  been  ill  and  suffering,  and  in 
my  heart  a  voice  has  been  continually  singing  the  words  I 
once  heard  at  the  theatre:  'I  wish  to  be  a  man!' ' 

"And  why  do  yon  wish  to  be  a  man?"  asked  her  father, 
bowing  his  head,  and  seemingly  devoting  his  whole  attention 
to  his  work. 

"  Because  a  man  is  allowed  to  do  freely  and  boldly  what  he 
deems  right  and  good,"  replied  Leonora;  "because,  when  the 
fatherland  calls  him,  he  may  step  forth  with  a  bold  front,  and 
reply:  'Here  I  am!  To  thee,  my  country,  belongs  my  arm 
— my  blood !  For  thee  I  am  ready  to  fight,  and  if  need  be  to 
die!'  Father,  when  a  man  talks  thus,  his  words  are  sublime 
— the  women  clasp  their  hands  and  listen  devoutly  to  him, 
and  the  children  fall  on  their  knees  and  pray  for  him.  But 
if  a  girl  talk  thus,  it  would  be  as  mockery ;  the  women  would 
deride  their  heroic  sister,  and  the  children  point  at  and  shout 
after  her,  'Look  at  the  foolish  girl  who  wants  to  do  what  is 
solely  the  task  of  man !  Look  at  the  crazy  one,  who  imagines 
she  can  do  men's  work!'  Her  most  sacred  sentiments,  her 
most  patriotic  desires  and  resolutions,  would  be  mercilessly 
ridiculed !" 

"That  is  the  reason,  my  child,"  said  her  father,  calmly 
laboring  at  his  basket,  "  why  she  should  not  betray  her  senti- 
ments, and  confide  her  thoughts  to  God  alone.  Have  you 
forgotten  what  Charles  read  to  us  about  Joan  of  Orleans? 
She  left  her  parents  silently  and  secretly,  and  went  whither 
God  called  her." 

When  all  seemed  lost,  a  saving  hand 
From  heaven  vouchsafes  to  bless  our  land, 
And  make  us  strong  and  free. 

O  happy  day  !    The  sun  new-born 
Is  dancing  as  on  Easter  morn  I 

See,  risen  brothers,  see  ! 
We  come  from  slavery's  grave  unbound, 
And  mountains  and  the  vales  resound 

With  songs  of  jubilee. 

Ascending  from  Oppression's  night, 
Behold  the  dawn  of  Freedom's  light ! 

Soldiers  of  God,  arise  ! 
The  enemy  will  rue  this  day, 
For  victory's  eagle  scents  the  prey 

And  onward  quickly  flies. 

To  arms  !  to  horse  !  my  comrades  brave  1 
And  let  the  battle-standard  wave, 

For  now  is  honor's  day. 
The  dying  shout  of  bloody  strife 
Is  better  than  the  pining  life 

That  sinks  by  slow  decay. 


238  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"But  her  father  cursed  and  disowned  her  for  it,"  said 
Leonora,  in  a  tremulous  voice.  "  Do  you  think  her  father 
was  right,  merely  because  she  followed  the  voice  of  God,  and 
went  out  to  deliver  her  king  and  country?" 

"No,"  said  Prohaska,  laying  his  basket  aside  and  rising, 
"  I  do  not ;  I  was  always  indignant  when  that  particular  pas- 
sage was  read  to  us." 

"And  what  would  you  have  said,  father?"  asked  Leonora, 
in  a  tone  of  profound  emotion.  "  Imagine  me  to  be  Joan, 
the  inspired  maid  of  Orleans,  and  that  I  say:  'Father,  I  can- 
not remain  any  longer  in  this  narrow  dwelling.  The  voice  of 
the  king  and  the  fatherland  has  penetrated  my  heart  also,  and 
has  called  me.  I  must  obey  it,  for  I  feel  courageous  and 
strong  enough,  and  it  would  be  cowardly  to  disobey.'  What 
would  you  say  if  I  were  Joan  of  Orleans,  and  should  talk  thus 
to  you?" 

"  I  should  say,  'Kneel  down,  my  Leonora,  and  receive  my 
last  blessing,'"  replied  Prohaska,  straightening  himself  and 
approaching  his  daughter. 

Leonora  knelt  down,  and,  raising  her  tearful  eyes  to  her 
father,  whispered:  "What  blessing  would  you  give  me  if  I 
were  Joan  of  Orleans?  Oh,  think  I  am  she,  and  give  me 
your  blessing !" 

"If  you  were  Joan  of  Orleans,"  responded  the  old  man, 
solemnly,  "  and  should  kneel  before  me  as  you  do  now,  and 
ask  my  blessing,  I  should,  as  I  do  now,  lay  my  hands  on  your 
head,  and  say  to  you:  'God  the  Lord,  who  holds  heaven  and 
earth  in  His  hand,  and  without  whose  will  not  a  hair  falls 
from  our  head,  watch  over  you  and  protect  you!  May  He 
be  with  you  on  the  battle-field !  May  He  give  you  a  brave 
heart,  a  strong  arm,  and  a  steady  eye!  May  He  give  you 
courage  to  brave  death!  You  have  chosen  men's  work,  you 
have  pledged  your  love  and  your  life  to  the  fatherland ;  go, 
then,  and  be  a  man;  love  your  country  like  a  man,  fight  lika 
a  man,  and,  if  need  be,  die  like  a  man!'  But  when  your  last 
hour  has  come,  my  daughter,  think  of  your  father,  and  pray 
to  God  with  your  last  thoughts  that  He  may  soon  deliver  ma 
also,  and  take  me  away,  for  I  shall  feel  lonely  on  earth  when 
you  are  no  more,  and  even  the  victorious  shouts  of  the  return- 
ing would  no  longer  gladden  my  old  soldier's  heart  if  I  find 
you  not  among  the  conquerors.  But,  hush !  let  no  tear  dese- 
crate this  secret  hour  of  our  last  farewell !  God  has  called  all 
strong  and  courageous  hearts — follow  His  call !  It  is  incumbent 


JOAN  OF  ORLEANS.  239 

on  every  one  to  /ove  his  country  more  intensely  than  parents, 
brothers,  and  sisters.  Go,  then,  my  daughter ;  do  your  duty, 
and  remember  that  your  father's  blessing  will  be  with  you  in 
life  as  well  as  in  death!  And  now,  give  me  a  last  kiss." 

Leonora  rose  from  her  knees,  and,  encircling  his  neck  with 
her  arms,  pressed  a  glowing  kiss  on  his  lips.  "Father,"  she 
said,  looking  at  him  with  a  beaming  face,  "  my  lips  have  not 
yet  kissed  any  man's  lips  but  yours,  and  here  I  swear  to  you 
— and  may  God  have  mercy  on  me  at  my  last  hour  if  I  do  not 
keep  my  oath ! — I  swear  to  you  that  I  shall  kiss  no  man  until 
I  am  permitted  to  return  to  you,  my  father!" 

"I  believe  you,  dear  Leonora,"  said  Prohaska,  solemnly. 

"Leonora,  my  child,  it  is  time  now!"  exclaimed  her 
mother,  hastily  entering  the  room.  "  The  postilion  has 
already  passed  our  house,  and  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour  the 
stage-coach  will  stop  at  our  door.  I  have  myself  gone  to  the 
postmaster,  and  he  granted  it  as  a  favor  that  the  stage-coach 
should  stop  here,  and  thus  save  you  the  trouble  of  going  to 
the  post-office.  This  will  enable  you  to  remain  with  us  fifteen 
minutes  yet." 

"But  my  trunk,  mother;  we  have  to  take  it  to  the  post- 
office?"  asked  Leonora. 

"Oh,  it  would  have  been  too  heavy  for  us,"  said  Mrs. 
Prohaska;  "Charles  and  two  of  his  school-mates  are  just 
carrying  it  to  the  post-office.  Leonora's  trunk  is  quite  heavy, 
father.  Thank  God,  she  is  well  provided,  and  for  the  first 
year  it  will  be  quite  unnecessary  for  her  to  buy  any  thing." 

"  My  dear  mother  would  indeed  have  packed  up  all  her  own 
things  and  dresses  for  me  if  I  had  not  prevented  her,"  said 
Leonora,  smiling. 

"  I  should  like  best  to  pack  up  my  own  heart  for  you,  my 
dear  child,"  exclaimed  her  mother,  deeply  moved,  "but,  as  I 
could  not  do  so,  I  put  my  bridal  dress  into  your  trunk.  It  is 
a  nice  silk  dress,  and  I  have  worn  it  only  three  times  in  my 
life — on  my  wedding-day,  and  on  the  days  when  my  two  chil- 
dren were  baptized ;  it  is  as  good  as  new.  I  suppose,  husband, 
you  will  permit  me  to  give  it  to  her?" 

"  Of  course,  but  what  is  she  to  do  with  it?"  asked  Prohaska. 

"Why,  what  a  question!"  exclaimed  Mrs.  Prohaska,  "she  is 
to  wear  it,  and  look  pretty  when  she  goes  to  parties  on  Sundays. 
Leonora,  I  suppose  you  will  know  what  to  do  with  it?" 

"  Yes,  mother,  I  thank  you  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart 
for  the  beautiful  present,  and  I  promise  you  that  I  shall  use 


240  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

it  only  in  a  noble  and  worthy  manner,"  said  Leonora,  gravely. 
"  My  mother's  bridal  dress  shall  not  be  worn  for  frivolous 
purposes,  but  it  shall  serve  me  to  attain  the  highest  and 
purest  objects." 

"  Oh,  I  know,"  whispered  the  mother,  who  was  scarcely  able 
to  restrain  her  tears,  "  I  know  that  you  are  an  excellent  girl, 
and  a  good  daughter,  and  that  you  will  never  do  any  thing  of 
which  your  old  parents  would  have  to  be  ashamed.  You  have 
always  been  n?y  pride  and  joy,  and  never  would  I  consent  to 
part  with  you  unless  every  one  had  now  to  make  the  greatest 
sacrifices  for  the  king  and  the  fatherland.  But  still  it  is  very 
painful,  and — " 

"Wife,"  interposed  the  old  sergeant,  "no  tears  now! 
When  we  are  alone  we  shall  have  time  enough  for  weeping. 
As  long  as  Leonora  is  here,  let  us  gaze  at  and  rejoice  in  her. 
— I  have  to  give  you  a  commission  yet.  Go  to  my  general, 
old  Blucher,  and  tell  him  he  ought  not  to  be  angry  with  me — 
that  he  must  not  believe  me  a  lazy  coward  because  I  do  not  go 
to  the  war.  Tell  him  that  my  leg  had  to  be  amputated  some 
time  after  the  battle,  and  that  he  ought  to  excuse  my  absence 
when  the  roll  is  called." 

"I  will  assuredly  repeat  your  words  to  the  general,  father." 

"Why!"  asked  Mrs.  Prohaska,  wonderingly,  "is  General 
Blucher  now  at  Berlin?" 

"No,"  said  her  husband,  carelessly,  "he  is  at  Breslau, 
whither  all  the  volunteers  are  marching." 

"But  how  is  Leonora,  then,  to  repeat  your  words  to  him?" 
asked  his  wife,  in  amazement. 

"  Father  means  that  I  shall  tell  General  Blucher  when  he 
comes  to  Berlin?"  said  Leonora,  quickly.  "  They  say  Blucher 
will  come  soon  to  expel  the  French  from  the  capital,  and  father 
thinks  I  might  then  repeat  those  words  to  his  old  chieftain." 

"  Sister,  sister,  the  stage-coach  is  coming,"  shouted  Charles, 
rushing  breathlessly  into  the  room.  "The  postilion  has 
already  blown  his  bugle  for  the  third  time!" 

"Well,  then,  my  child,  we  must  part,"  said  the  old  ser- 
geant, deeply  moved,  and  clasping  Leonora  in  his  arms. 
"  God  bless  you,  my  daughter !  Your  father's  thoughts  will 
always  be  with  you !"  He  disengaged  himself  from  her  arms, 
and  pushed  her  gently  toward  her  mother.  The  two  women 
remained  a  long  time  locked  in  each  other's  arms.  Neither 
of  them  said  a  word,  but  their  tears  and  their  last  looks  were 
more  eloquent  than  words. 


JOAN  OF  ORLEANS.  241 

"  And  you  forget  me  9 "  asked  Charles,  reproachfully. 
"  You  do  not  care  to  take  leave  of  me?" 

Leonora  released  herself  from  her  mother's  embrace,  and 
encircled  her  brother's  neck  with  her  arms.  "  Farewell,  dar- 
ling of  my  heart!"  she  cried.  "Be  a  good  son  to  father  and 
mother,  and  remember  that  you  must  henceforth  love  them 
for  both  of  us.  Farewell,  brother,  and  forgive  me  for  being 
born  earlier  than  you,  and  thus  preventing  your  being  in  my 
place.  God  decreed  it  thus,  putting  us  in  our  own  places, 
and  we  must  both  fill  them  worthily. " 

"Yes,"  said  Charles,  amid  his  tears,  "certainly  we  will." 

A  carriage  was  rattling  over  the  pavement,  and  stopped  in 
front  of  the  house.  A  bugle  sounded. 

"Father,  mother,  and  brother,  farewell!"  exclaimed  Leo- 
nora. Then,  raising  her  arms  to  heaven,  she  added:  "God 
in  heaven,  watch  over  them,  and,  if  such  be  Thy  will,  let  me 
return  to  them!"  She  hastily  wrapped  herself  in  her  cloak, 
and,  without  looking  at  them  again,  rushed  out  of  the  room, 
and  jumped  into  the  coach. 

"Farewell,  farewell!"  shouted  father,  mother,  and  brother, 
who  had  followed  her,  and  were  standing  in  front  of  the 
house. 

She  leaned  her  head  out  of  the  coach  window.  "  Farewell," 
«he  exclaimed,  "and  God — "  The  bugle  drowned  her  words; 
the  carriage  rolled  away. 

The  loving  relatives  gazed  after  it  until  it  had  disappeared 
around  the  next  corner,  and  then  returned  sighing  into  the 
small  house.  Charles  hastened  to  his  little  chamber  up-stairs 
to  give  vent  to  his  grief.  The  parents  returned  to  their 
sitting-room.  "  Oh,  how  still  it  is  here  now,  as  still  as  in  the 
grave,"  sighed  Mrs.  Prohaska,  "for  I  miss  my  child,  and  will 
miss  her  everywhere.  Oh,  husband,  my  heart  aches,  and  I 
feel  as  though  I  had  lost  my  Leonora  forever !  Ah,  why  did 
we  allow  her  to  go?  Why  did  we  not  keep  her  here,  our 
child,  our  only  daughter?  Oh!  if  she  should  never  return, 
if  she  should  die!  0  God,  have  mercy  on  a  poor  mother's 
heart — 'protect  my  dear  child !"  She  sank  down  on  a  chair, 
and,  covering  her  face  with  her  apron,  sobbed  aloud. 

The  old  sergeant  paced  the  room  in  silence.  He  scarcely 
knew  that  the  tears,  like  large  pearls,  were  running  down  his 
cheeks  into  his  gray  beard.  The  loud  sobs  of  his  wife  aroused 
him.  "  Hush,  wife ;  hush !"  he  said,  standing  in  front  of  her. 
"  It  is  too  late  now  for  weeping.  Let  us  rather  be  glad,  for 


242  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Leonora  is  possessed  of  a  brave  heart,  and  has  done  her  duty 
toward  her  country  and  her  old  invalid  father.  Let  us,  there- 
fore, be  glad,  and  sing!"  And  he  commenced  to  sing  in  a 
tremulous  voice,  while  the  tears  were  still  rolling  from  his 
eyes: 

"  Ihr  Deutsche  auf  in  Sud  und  Nord  1 

Hinweg  gemeiner  Neid  ! 
Wir  alle  reden  eine  Sprach' 
Und  stehen  all'  f  iir  eine  Sach' 
Im  ehrenvollen  Streit ! 

"  Und  wer  sich  feig  entzieht  dem  Kampf 

Fur  Freiheit  und  fur  Ehr1, 
Wer  nicht  das  Schwertergreif t  zur  Stund  J 
Der  leb'  und  sterb'  als  schlechter  Hund, 

Der  sei  kein  Deutscher  mehr  ! "  * 


CHAPTEE    XXV. 

THE   NATIONAL   REPRESENTATIVES. 

LEONORA  PROHASKA  reached  Berlin  at  four  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon.  On  the  way,  closing  her  eyes,  she  leaned  back  on 
the  cushions,  so  that  her  companions  paid  little  attention  to 
her,  whom  they  believed  to  be  asleep.  But  Leonora  heard 
every  word,  and  every  conversation  of  her  fellow-travellers 
strengthened  her  soul  and  restored  her  former  courage. 
The}'  spoke  of  the  enthusiasm  in  every  city,  village,  and  house 
— an  enthusiasm  spreading  far  beyond  the  frontiers  of  Prus- 
sia, and  carrying  all  away  as  an  irresistible  torrent,  drawing 
with  it  even  the  most  cautious  and  timid,  and  filling  the  most 
desponding  and  disheartened  with  joyous  hopes.  One  of  the 
travellers  was  just  returning  from  Breslau,  and  dwelt  with 
impassioned  eloquence  on  the  bustle  prevailing  there ;  on  the 
volunteers  who  were  flocking  in  vast  numbers  to  that  city  and 
parading  every  day  under  the  king's  windows;  and  on  brave 
Major  von  Liitzow,  who,  with  his  beautiful  young  wife,  had 
come  to  Breslau,  and  was  endeavoring  to  live  at  a  miserable 
tavern,  because  no  other  accommodations  were  to  be  had. 

*  Arise,  ye  Germans,  North  and  South  J 

And  honor's  path  pursue. 
Since  all  one  common  language  spealr 
And  all  one  sacred  object  seek, 
Your  jealousies  subdue. 

Let  him  who  shirks  his  country's  call, 

To  freedom  and  to  fame, 
Both  live  and  die  a  cowardly  hound, 
Despised  wherever  may  be  found 

A  man  of  German  name. 


THE  NATIONAL  REPRESENTATIVES.  243 

"And  in  the  bar-room,"  he  said,  "beautiful  Madame  von 
Liitzow  receives  the  names  of  the  volunteers  who  wish  to  enlist 
in  the  Legion  of  Vengeance.  Her  husband  is  busily  engaged, 
from  dawn  till  late  at  night,  in  organizing  his  corps;  in  try- 
ing to  procure  arms,  horses,  and  equipments  for  his  men,  and 
his  handsome  wife  is  his  recruiting  officer.  She  is  as  charm- 
ing as  an  angel,  the  daughter  of  a  wealthy  count,  and  has,  by 
her  marriage  with  Major  von  Liitzow,  contrary  to  her  par- 
ents' wishes,  so  much  exasperated  her  proud  father  that  he 
gave  her  no  dower,  but  imposed  it  as  a  condition  of  his  con- 
sent that  Major  von  Liitzow  should  marry  without  any.  But 
the  count's  daughter  joyously  descended  from  the  proud  castle 
to  the  humble  dwelling  of  the  Prussian  major,  whom  she 
loved  on  account  of  his  bravery,  and  the  scars  which  he  bore 
on  his  forehead,  and  which  he  had  received  in  1806,  in  the 
war  against  the  French." 

"I  know  the  lady,"  said  the  second  traveller;  "she  is  a 
daughter  of  the  Danish  Count  von  Ahlefeldt,  a  wonder  of 
loveliness,  grace,  and  refined  manners.  She  hates  the  French 
as  intensely  as  her  husband,  and  it  was  precisely  this  common 
hatred  of  the  French  that  brought  them  together." 

"  How  so?"  asked  the  other.     "  Pray  tell  us  all  about  it." 

"  Several  years  ago,  the  young  countess,  attended  by  her 
governess,  made  a  journey  to  a  fashionable  German  watering- 
place.  Both  took  dinner  at  the  table  d'hote  of  the  'Kurhans,' 
where  a  crowd  of  persons  from  all  countries  were  assembled. 
The  neighbor  of  the  young  countess  at  the  table  happened  to 
be  a  French  officer,  who  managed  to  involve  the  young  lady 
in  a  highly  animated  and  interesting  conversation.  He  told 
her  in  a  very  attractive  manner  of  his  campaigns  and  travels, 
and  the  young  countess  listened  to  him  with  pleasure  and 
manifested  her  sympathy  for  him.  The  Frenchman  dared 
to  seize  her  hand  and  kiss  it.  The  young  countess  started ;  a 
deep  blush  suffused  her  fair  face,  and,  without  reflecting, 
obeying  only  her  first  impulse,  she  took  a  glass  of  water  which 
stood  before  her,  and  poured  it  over  the  hand  which  the 
Frenchman  had  dared  to  kiss.  Several  Prussian  officers, 
seated  near  her  had  witnessed  the  occurrence,  and,  on  notic- 
ing how  she  removed  the  stain  of  the  French  kiss  from  her 
hand,  could  not  refrain  from  bursting  into  a  loud  cheer. 
One  of  them  was  Major  von  Liitzow.  After  dinner  he  ap- 
proached the  countess,  was  introduced  to  her  by  a  mutual 
acquaintance,  and  expressed  his  ardent  thanks,  in  the  name 


244  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

of  all  Germans,  for  the  bold  rebuke  she  had  administered  to 
the  Frenchman.  That  was  the  beginning  of  her  acquaintance 
with  Major  von  Lutzow,  and  the  end  of  it  was  her  marriage 
with  him.*  She  is  now  at  Breslau,  and  you  have  seen  her." 

"  Yes,  for  I  went  to  the  major's  headquarters  with  a  friend 
who  wished  to  enlist  in  his  corps.  We  met  there,  however, 
only  herself.  She  received  my  friend's  request  to  enlist  under 
her  husband  with  so  much  grace,  with  such  a  look  of  joy — 
she  dwelt  in  such  soul -stirring  words  on  the  great  and  holy 
national  war  about  to  break  out,  and  in  which  every  one  ought 
to  participate,  that  I  was  quite  fascinated  by  her  eloquence, 
and  would  have  enlisted  at  once  if  I  had  not  already  entered  a 
landwehr  regiment." 

Not  a  word  of  this  conversation  escaped  Leonora,  and  she 
said  to  herself:  "I  must  make  the  acquaintance  of  this  lady. 
I  will  go  to  her,  and  she  will  enlist  me  for  the  German  father- 
land!" 

The  travellers  continued  their  conversation,  relating  that 
Frederick  William  had  not  believed  in  the  success  of  the  first 
manifesto,  in  which  he  called  for  volunteers;  and,  for  this 
reason,  had  not  signed  the  manifesto  which  Chancellor  von 
Hardenberg  had  drawn  up ;  that  four  days  afterward  the  king, 
who  had  just  explained  with  unusual  vehemence  to  General 
Scharnhorst  the  utter  uselessness  of  this  call,  was  interrupted 
by  a  strange  noise  in  the  street;  and  that,  anxious  to  discover 
what  was  the  cause,  he  stepped  to  the  window,  and  General 
Scharnhorst  followed  him;  that  a  line  of  at  least  eighty 
wagons  had  come  in  sight,  and  in  them  none  but  armed  men 
were  seated,  who  halted  in  front  of  the  palace,  and  an  aide- 
de-camp,  who  entered  the  room  at  that  moment,  informed  the 
king  that  they  were  volunteers  just  arrived  from  Berlin ;  that 
Scharnhorst  turned  to  him,  and  exclaimed  triumphantly: 
"  Will  your  majesty  be  convinced  now  that  your  people  are 
ready  to  fight  for  you  and  the  fatherland?"  and  that  the  king 
made  no  reply,  but  a  flood  of  tears  rushed  from  his  eyes,  and 
he  smiled  amidst  his  emotion. 

At  length  Leonora  arrived  at  Berlin.  She  stood  alone  be- 
side her  trunk  in  the  court-yard  of  the  royal  post-office  build- 
ing. No  notice  was  taken  of  her;  no  one  manifested  any 
sympathy  for  her ;  but  she  did  not  flinch,  and  her  heart  was 
free  from  doubt  or  anxiety.  She  sent  for  a  hackney-coach  by 

*  I  am  indebted  for  an  account  of  this  occurrence  to  the  Countess  Ahlefeldt  (for- 
merly Madame  Major  von  Ltitzow)  herself,  who  related  it  to  me  with  charming  nai- 
vete and  grace.— L. 


THE  NATIONAL  REPRESENTATIVES  245 

one  of  the  boys  playing  in  the  court-yard,  and  then  drove 
away.  But  she  did  not  order  the  coachman  to  convey  her  to 
her  godfather,  Werkmeister,  the  merchant  on  Jager  Street. 
Driving  first  to  Tauben  Street,  the  carriage  stopped  in  front 
of  a  large,  gloomy  house.  She  alighted,  and,  begging  the 
coachman  to  wait  for  her,  slipped  into  the  house.  Quickly 
ascending  three  narrow  nights  of  stairs,  she  reached  a  silent 
corridor,  on  both  sides  of  which  were  small  doors,  and  on 
each  a  number  had  been  painted.  Knocking  at  the  door  of 
number  three,  a  female  voice  inquired,  "Who  is  there?" 

"It  is  I,  Leonora  Prohaska!" 

A.  loud  cry  of  joy  resounded ;  the  door  was  hastily  opened, 
and  a  young  soldier  in  full  uniform  appeared  on  the  threshold. 
It  was  now  Leonora  who  uttered  a  cry,  and  blushing  drew 
back.  "Pardon  me,"  she  said,  timidly;  "there  must  be  a 
mistake.  I  am  looking  for  my  friend,  a  young  milliner, 
named  Caroline  Peters." 

The  young  soldier  laughed,  but  it  was  the  fresh,  ringing 
laughter  of  a  girl.  "  Then  you  really  do  not  recognize  me, 
Leonora?"  he  exclaimed.  "You  really  take  me  for  what  I 
like  to  be  and  am  not — a  man?" 

"  Great  Heaven !  is  it  you?"  exclaimed  Leonora.     "You — " 

"  Hush !"  whispered  the  other,  hastily  drawing  her  into  the 
room,  and  carefully  locking  the  door.  "  For  mercy's  sake,  let 
no  one  hear  us !  What  a  scandal  it  would  be,  if  it  should  be 
discovered  that  Volunteer  Charles  Petersen  receives  the  visits 
of  pretty  girls  at  his  room!  This  hotel  is  entirely  occupied 
by  volunteers,  and  none  of  them  suspect  that  I  am  a  woman, 
nor  shall  they  ever  find  it  out.  But  now  welcome,  my  dear 
Leonora,  and  tell  me  what  has  brought  you  to  Berlin.  Did 
you  receive  my  letter?" 

"  Yes,  Caroline,  I  did,"  said  Leonora,  gravely,  "  and  it  gave 
me  pain,  for  you  called  me  cowardly  and  destitute  of  honor, 
because  I  intended  to  stay  at  home  when  my  country  was  in 
need  of  the  arms  of  all  its  children,  and  when  every  one  of 
any  courage  was  participating  in  this  holy  struggle." 

"And  that  is  the  truth,  Leonora,"  exclaimed  Caroline; 
"  the  fatherland  has  called  us  all,  and  those  who  do  not  listen 
to  this  call  are  cowards!" 

"But  who  told  you  that  I  did  not  listen  to  it?"  asked 
Leonora. 

"What!"  ejaculated  Caroline,  joyously.  "Leonora,  you, 
too—" 


246  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

"  Hush !"  interrupted  Leonora,  "  we  must  talk  about  all  this 
afterward.  I  am  in  haste  now,  for  there  is  a  hackney-coach 
waiting  for  me  at  the  door,  and  my  trunk  is  on  it.  Tell 
me  now  quickly,  Caroline,  can  I  stay  with  you  over  night?" 

"In  female  dress,  Leonora?  That  would  be  hardly  pru- 
dent." 

"No,  in  male  attire,  Caroline." 

"Oh,  then  you  are  a  thousand  times  welcome  here,"  ex- 
claimed Caroline,  encircling  her  with  her  arms,  and  drawing 
her  to  her  heart. 

"But  I  have  not  yet  my  male  attire,"  said  Leonora,  smil- 
ing, "nor  have  I  money  to  buy  it.  Give  me,  therefore, 
quickly,  the  name  of  some  one  who  buys  dresses,  for  I  will 
drive  to  him  immediately  with  my  trunk,  and  sell  all  I  have 
brought  with  me." 

"  Come,  Leonora,  I  will  accompany  you,"  said  Caroline. 
"  I  know  at  the  Hospital  Bridge  a  very  patriotic  and  kind- 
hearted  old  Jew,  to  whom  I  have  also  sold  my  wearing 
apparel,  and  who  paid  me  a  very  liberal  price  for  it,  when  1 
told  him  that  I  wanted  to  buy  a  uniform  for  my  brother. 
Let  us  drive  there,  but  I  will  remain  in  the  carriage  while 
you  go  into  the  store,  for  he  might  recognize  me.  You  will 
also  find  men's  clothing,  which  you  may  purchase  for  your 
brother — that  is  to  say,  for  yourself." 

"  Come,  then,  and  let  us  make  haste,"  said  Leonora,  draw- 
ing her  friend  with  her. 

Fifteen  minutes  afterward  the  hackney-coach  halted  in 
front  of  one  of  the  second-hand  clothing-stores  near  the  Hos- 
pital Bridge,  and  Leonora  alighted,  holding  in  her  arms  a 
large  package  of  dresses,  shawls,  skirts,  and  aprons,  which  she 
had  taken  from  her  trunk  during  the  drive.  Mr.  Hirsch,  the 
dealer  in  second-hand  clothing,  who  was  standing  in  front  of 
his  store,  received  her  with  a  pleasant  greeting,  and  invited 
her  to  enter  and  tell  him  what  she  wanted. 

Leonora  put  the  wearing  apparel  on  the  counter,  and, 
drawing  a  deep  breath,  said  in  a  tone  of  embarrassment,  "  I 
should  like  to  sell  these  things,  sir." 

The  Jew  put  his  spectacles  slowly  on  his  nose,  and  then 
lifted  up  the  dresses,  one  after  another,  contemplating  them 
with  scrutinizing  glances. 

"If  he  should  not  give  me  as  much  money  as  I  need?" 
Leonora  asked  herself,  anxiously,  "  if  these  things  should  not 
amount  to  so  much  that  I  cannot  purchase  a  uniform?" 


THE  NATIONAL  REPRESENTATIVES.  247 

And  old  Hirsch,  as  if  he  heard  the  anxious  question  of  her 
heart,  said,  shaking  his  head:  "I  cannot  give  very  much  for 
these  few  calico  dresses  and  aprons.  They  are  all  very  nice 
and  well  preserved,  but  of  no  value  whatever." 

"But  there  is  also  a  silk  dress,  sir,"  said  Leonora,  in  a 
tremulouus  voice,  "an  entirely  new  silk  dress." 

"New?"  asked  the  Jew,  shrugging  his  shoulders,  drawing 
out  the  dress,  and  unfolding  it  with  a  sneer.  "  The  dress  is 
not  new,  for  it  is  made  after  such  an  old  fashion  that  it  could 
be  worn  only  at  a  masked  ball ;  and  the  stuff  is  not  worth  any 
thing,  either,  for  it  is  only  half  silk.  It  was  just  made  to 
look  at.  It  appears  like  heavy  silk,  but  the  oblique  threads 
that  make  it  look  so  heavy  are  all  cotton.  How  much  do  you 
want  for  the  whole,  my  pretty  miss?" 

"I  do  not  know,"  said  Leonora,  in  a  low  voice,  "as  much 
as  you  can  give  me  for  it. " 

"Yes,  yes,"  grumbled  the  old  man,  "I  am  to  give  a  great 
deal  of  money  for  very  poor  goods ;  that  is  what  they  all  ask 
me  to  do.  I  will  tell  you,  I  cannot  give  you  more  than 
twelve  dollars  for  the  whole  lot." 

"Twelve  dollars!"  ejaculated  Leonora,  with  such  an  ex- 
pression of  dismay  that  the  Jew  started,  raising  his  green 
spectacles  to  his  forehead,  and  fixing  his  small,  twinkling  eyes 
on  Leonora. 

"  Twelve  dollars!"  repeated  Leonora,  and,  no  longer  able  to 
restrain  her  tears,  she  Avrung  her  hands,  and  muttered :  "  It 
is  all  in  vain,  then !  Twelve  dollars  are  not  sufficient  to  buy 
a  uniform  and  arms." 

Hirsch  heard  her  words.  "  What?"  he  asked,  hastily.  "  You 
want  to  sell  the  dresses  in  order  to  buy  a  uniform  and  arms?" 

"Yes,  sir,"  replied  Leonora,  "my  mother  and  I  wanted  to 
sell  our  dresses,  because  we  hoped  we  would  get  money  enough 
to  buy  my  brother  a  complete  uniform — a  rifle,  sword,  and 
shako;  for  my  brother  intends  to  enlist  in  Liitzow's  corps  of 
riflemen." 

"  Your  brother  intends  to  enlist  in  Liitzow's  corps  of  rifle- 
men?" asked  Hirsch,  quickly.  "  Is  that  no  pretext,  eh?  Do 
you  not  tell  me  so  merely  for  the  purpose  of  extorting  money 
from  me?  Can  you  swear  to  me  that  that  is  why  you  wish  to 
sell  the  dresses?" 

"  I  can  swear  it  by  the  great  God  in  heaven,  in  whom  we 
all  believe,"  said  Leonora,  solemnly.  "  But  I  can  prove  it  t<? 
you,  too-" 


248  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  How  so?     In  what  way?" 

"  By  buying  a  uniform  for  my  brother  here  at  your  store. 
He  is  of  the  same  height  as  I  am,  and  has  precisely  the  same 
figure :  we  are  twins. " 

"  And  your  brother  intends  to  enlist  in  Liitzow's  corps? 
Why  did  he  not  himself  come  to  select  a  uniform?" 

"  He  is  at  Potsdam,  sir,  and  does  not  know  that  I  am  here. 
To-morrow  is  his  birthday,  and  we  want  to  surprise  him  by 
giving  him  his  uniform  to-morrow." 

"And  he  shall  have  it!"  exclaimed  the  Jew;  "yes,  he  shall 
have  it!  I  read  in  your  eyes  that  you  have  told  me  the  truth, 
my  child,  and  that  you  do  not  want  the  money  for  frivolous 
purposes,  but  for  the  great  cause  of  the  German  fatherland. 
I  have  also  a  heart  for  my  country,  and  no  one  shall  say  that 
we  Israelites  do  not  feel  and  act  like  true  Germans — that  our 
hearts  did  not  suffer  under  the  disgrace  which,  for  long  years, 
has  weighed  down  all  Germany,  and  that  we  will  not  joyfully 
sacrifice  our  blood  and  our  life;  and,  what  is  still  more,  our 
property,  for  the  sake  of  the  fatherland.  Who  was  the  first 
man  at  Berlin  to  make  a  voluntary  contribution  to  this  object? 
It  was  a  Jew !  The  president  of  the  Jewish  congregation,  M. 
Gum  pert,  made  the  first  patriotic  contribution.  He  sent 
three  hundred  dollars  to  the  military  commission,  with  the 
request  that  this  amount  might  be  spent  for  buying  equip- 
ments for  poor  volunteers.  *  Our  Gumpert  was  the  first  man 
who  made  a  sacrifice  for  the  benefit  of  the  fatherland,  and  I 
do  not  wish  to  be  the  last.  I  made  a  mistake  in  appraising 
your  things;  I  will  do  it  over  again,  and  what  I  can  give  I  will 
give."  He  glanced  again  at  the  dresses;  then  shaking  his 
head,  and  stroking  the  silk  dress  with  his  long,  lean  hand,  he 
said,  "  How  could  I  make  such  a  mistake,  and  believe  this 
stuff  to  be  only  half  silk?  It  is  all  silk,  heavy  silk — and  two 
dresses  of  the  now  fashionable  tight  cut  can  easily  be  made  out 
of  this  splendid  one.  For  this  alone  I  will  give  you  twenty 
dollars,  and  as  for  the  other  things,  well,  I  will  give  you 
twenty  dollars  more." 

"Oh,"  exclaimed  Leonora,  radiant  with  joy,  and  giving 
both  her  hands  to  the  old  Jew — "  oh,  you  are  a  noble,  generous 
man,  a  true  patriot!  I  thank  you,  and  may  the  delivered 
land  some  day  reward  you ! " 

"  Ah,  poor  Hirsch  cannot  deserve  great  rewards  at  the  hands 
of  the  fatherland,"  said  the  old  man,  sighing.  "I  am  poor, 

*  Historical. 


THE  NATIONAL  REPRESENTATIVES  249 

I  have  not  even  a  son  whom  I  might  give  to  the  country,  and 
intrust  with  the  task  of  avenging  me.  I  had  a  son,  a  good , 
dear  boy;  but,  in  1807,  when  the  French  arrived  here,  he 
wished  to  defend  our  property  against  the  soldiers  who  broke 
into  our  house;  he  grew  very  angry  with  the  infamous 
ruffians,  and  called  them  and  their  emperor  murderers  and 
robbers.  Thereupon  they  mortally  stabbed  him — they  killed 
him  before  my  own  eyes!  He  was  my  only  child,  my  only  joy 
on  earth!  But,  hush!  this  is  no  time  for  lamentations.  I 
will  rejoice — yes,  rejoice,  for  the  hour  of  vengeance  has  come, 
and  we  will  pay  the  French  for  what  wrongs  they  have  in- 
flicted on  us.  If  I  were  not  so  old  and  feeble,  I  should  myself 
willingly  fight,  but  now  I  am  only  able  to  assist  in  equipping 
soldiers.  Your  brother  shall  become  a  soldier,  my  child ;  we 
will  equip  him  for  the  Legion  of  Vengeance.  He  shall 
avenge  my  son,  my  innocent,  beloved  son,  upon  Napoleon  the 
tyrant,  and  the  French  rabble,  who  have  trampled  us  under 
foot  so  long  and  so  disgracefully.  Yes,  yes,  I  will  give  you 
forty  dollars  for  your  things,  but  I  will  not  give  you  the  whole 
amount  in  cash.  Look  at  this  black  uniform;  it  is  quite 
new,  the  tailor  delivered  it  only  yesterday.  Did  not  you  tell 
me  that  your  brother  is  of  the  same  stature  as  you  are?" 

"Of  the  same  stature  and  figure,  for  he  is  my  twin- 
brother." 

"Well,  let  us  see  if  this  uniform  fits  you." 

Mr.  Hirsch  took  out  his  tape-line,  and  measured  Leonora's 
figure  with  the  skill  of  an  experienced  tailor.  He  then  ap- 
plied the  tape-line  to  the  trousers  and  the  coat  of  black  cloth. 
"  It  fits  splendidly,"  he  exclaimed.  "  And  here  is  also  a  nice 
silk  vest  that  belongs  to  it.  Now,  listen  to  me !  I  charge 
you  twelve  dollars  for  the  whole  suit;  you  will,  therefore,  re- 
ceive twenty-eight  dollars  in  money.  Now  you  will,  in  the 
first  place,  buy  your  brother  a  fine  rifle,  such  as  Liitzow's 
riflemen  need.  You  will  pay  ten  dollars  for  it;  besides  a 
sword  and  a  shako,  which  will  cost  together  five  dollars.  You 
will  have  thirteen  dollars  left.  For  this  amount  you  will  put 
a  pair  of  good  shirts  and  a  new  pair  of  boots  into  your 
brother's  knapsack,  and  the  remainder  you  will  give  him  for 
pocket-money.  Is  it  to  be  so?  Is  the  bargain  struck?" 

"Yes,  the  bargain  is  struck." 

"  Very  well.  Here  is  your  uniform,  and  here  are  the 
twenty-eight  dollars."  He  counted  the  shining  dollars  on  the 
counter,  and  then  pushed  the  money  and  the  clothing  toward 
17 


250  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Leonora.  "Here  is  our  Liiztow's  rifleman's  uniform,"  he 
exclaimed. 

"And  here  are  the  dresses,  sir,"  said  Leonora,  handing  the 
wearing  apparel  to  the  old  man,  but,  while  doing  so,  she 
quickly  bent  over  it,  and  pressed  a  kiss  on  the  silk  dress. 

Old  Hirsch  looked  at  her  with  amazement. 

"It  is  my  mother's  bridal  dress,  sir,"  said  Leonora,  as  if 
apologetically.  "  It  was  our  greatest  treasure,  and  I  gave  it 
only  a  farewell  kiss." 

The  Jew  looked  down  musingly.  "Listen,  my  child,"  he 
said ;  "  I  must  not  sell  this  dress.  I  shall  keep  it  until  the 
war  is  over.  If  your  brother  gets  safely  back,  you  may  bring 
him  here,  and,  as  a  greeting  of  welcome,  I  will  present  your 
mother's  bridal  dress  to  him.  But  in  return,  he  must  do  me 
a  favor." 

"  What  favar?" 

"Whenever  he  cuts  down  a  Frenchman,  he  is  to  shout, 
'Moses  Hirsch  is  avenged!'  Moses  was  the  name  of  my  dear, 
unfortunate  son,  and  I  think  he  will  sleep  more  calmly  in  his 
grave  when  he  hears  that  his  father  has  sent  out  an  avenger 
of  his  death.  Will  you  promise  me,  in  your  brother's  name, 
that  he  will  not  forget  to  shout  what  I  tell  you?" 

"  I  promise  it!  Whenever  my  brother  cuts  down  a  French- 
man, he  will  shout,  'Moses  Hirsch  is  avenged!'  " 

"  Thank  you!"  said  Hirsch,  greatly  moved.  "  My  son  will 
hear  it,  and  he  will  smile  down  from  heaven  on  his  old,  lonely 
father.  And  now,  my  dear,  beautiful  child,  good-by!  Give 
me  the  package;  I  will  take  it  for  you  to  the  carriage!" 

"  No,  no,  give  it  back  to  me,"  exclaimed  Leonora,  anxiously. 
But  the  old  man  did  not  listen  to  her.  He  took  the  package, 
and  hastened  with  it  out  of  his  store  to  the  hackney-coach. 

Charles  Petersen,  at  this  moment,  looked  impatiently  out 
of  the  window,  and  shouted  to  her  friend  to  make  haste. 

Old  Hirsch  uttered  a  cry  and  stared  at  Caroline.  "  Great 
Heaven!"  he  exclaimed,  "you  in  uniform — you  a  volunteer?" 

"Ah,"  said  Caroline,  concealing  her  confusion  by  loud 
laughter,  "  I  see  what  astonishes  you.  You  confound  me 
with  my  sister.  I  know  she  sold  her  dresses  to  you  to  buy  a 
uniform  and  arms  for  me.  Yes,  it  is  difficult  to  distinguish 
us,  for  we  greatly  resemble  each  other.  The  reason  is,  we 
are  twins." 

"He  has  a  twin-sister  as  you  have  a  twin-brother,"  said 
Hirsch,  turning  to  Leonora  with  a  strange  smile.  "  Hush !  I 


THE  NATIONAL  REPRESENTATIVES.  251 

understand  all  now.  God  protect  the  courageous  twins! 
Coachman,  start!" 

"Whither?"  asked  the  coachman. 

"To  M.  Werkmeister's  house,  23  Jager  Street,"  replied 
Leonora,  nodding  a  last  greeting  to  the  old  Jew.  The  car- 
riage wheeled  away. 

"  What  do  you  want  at  M.  Werkmeister's?"  asked  Caroline. 

"To  pay  him  my  last  visit  as  a  girl,"  said  Leonora. 
"  Returning  from  his  house,  I  shall  divest  myself  of  my  female 
costume  and  become  your  comrade.  Let  us  then  go  out  to- 
gether and  buy  my  arms." 

"  But  would  it  not  be  better  for  me  to  drive  back  to  our 
hotel  while  you  are  Werkmeister's?"  asked  Caroline.  "You 
have  had  the  hackney-coach  already  above  an  hour,  and  we 
volunteers  must  be  as  economical  as  possible,  in  order  to  sup- 
port ourselves  as  long  as  we  can,  and  not  become  a  burden  to 
the  state." 

"That  is  true,"  said  Leonora.  "I  will  alight  here,  and 
you  will  be  so  kind  as  to  take  my  trunk  and  the  package  to 
your  quarters."  The  hackney-coach  halted,  and  Leonora, 
wrapping  herself  in  her  shawl,  leaped  out  of  the  carriage. 
"Drive  back  to  Tauben  Street,  now,"  she  said,  "and  assist 
the  gentleman  in  carrying  this  trunk  up  to  his  room.  But 
previously  I  will  pay  you  the  whole  fare.  How  much  do  I 
owe  you?" 

"From  the  post-office  to  Tauben  Street,  four  groschen," 
said  the  coachman,  composedly. 

"  And  besides?" 

"Nothing  else." 

"  How  so — nothing  else?  You  waited  a  good  while  in  Taa- 
ben  Street ;  we  then  drove  hither,  where  you  waited  a  long 
while  again,  and  now  you  are  about  to  return  to  Tauben 
Street. " 

"Yes;  but  in  Tauben  Street  we  took  in  a  volunteer,"  said 
the  coachman,  whipping  his  horses  in  a  gentle,  caressing  man- 
ner. "  We  hackmen  never  take  any  money  for  driving  a 
volunteer.  Every  one  must  do  as  much  for  the  fatherland  as 
he  can.  You  owe  me,  therefore,  only  four  groschen." 

"Here  they  are,"  said  Leonora,  handing  the  money  to  the 
hackman,  "  and  we  are  much  obliged  to  you. " 

"  Oh,  you  are  not  obliged  to  me  at  all,"  said  the  hackman, 
"  for  you  see  I  do  not  drive  girls  for  nothing — only  volunteers." 

"To-morrow  he  will  drive  me,  too,  for  nothing,"  said  Leo- 


252  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

nora,  gazing  after  the  hackney-coach.  "  To-morrow  i  will  no 
longer  be  a  girl !  For  I  am  going  now  to  bid  a  last  adieu  to 
my  outward  maidenhood  and  my  past!"  And  she  walked 
with  resolute  steps  across  the  Gendarmes  Market  toward  Jager 
Street. 

"  I  must  tell  my  dear  godfather  that  I  cannot  accept  his 
offer,"  she  said  to  herself;  "for,  if  I  should  not,  he  might 
perhaps  write  another  letter  to  me  to  Potsdam,  and  mothef 
would  then  learn  prematurely  that  I  told  her  a  falsehood,  and 
am  not  now  at  my  godfather's  house;  but  when  he  knows 
that  I  cannot  come,  he  will  not  write  again,  and  no  one  will 
discover  my  plans." 

There  was  an  unusual  throng  to-day  in  front  of  the  house 
No.  23  on  Jager  Street,  where  Werkmeister  the  merchant  lived. 
It  was  not  without  difficulty  that  Leonora  penetrated 
through  the  crowd  to  the  door,  where  was  to  be  seen  a  large 
placard,  containing  the  following  words:  "  Gold  wedding- 
rings  exchanged  for  iron  ones  here."  Somewhat  astonished  at 
this  strange  inscription,  Leonora  entered  the  house,  and 
stepped  across  the  hall  to  the  open  door  of  her  godfather's 
sitting-room. 

M.  Kudolph  Werkmeister,  without  looking  attentively  at 
her,  presented  her  a  small  box  containing  a  large  number  of 
glittering  rings.  "  Please  select  one  of  these,  and  drop  the 
gold  ring  into  the  aperture  of  the  locked  box,"  he  said. 

Leonora  looked  at  him  smilingly.  "It  is  I,  godfather," 
she  said,  offering  him  her  hand. 

"Ah,  it  is  you,  Leonora  Prohaska,"  exclaimed  M.  Werk- 
meister, putting  down  the  box.  "  You  have  received  my  let- 
ter, then,  my  child?  You  have  at  length  made  up  your  mind 
to  comply  with  my  wishes — to  come  to  my  house,  and  to  assist 
my  wife  at  the  store  and  in  the  household  ?  Well,  you  could 
not  have  come  at  a  better  hour,  and  I  thank  you  for  your 
kindness. " 

Leonora  fixed  her  large  dark  eyes  with  an  affectionate  ex- 
pression on  the  good-natured,  pleasant  face  of  the  merchant, 
and  stepping  up  to  him  laid  both  her  hands  on  his  shoulders. 
"Godfather,  dear  godfather,"  she  said,  greatly  moved,  "do 
not  be  angry  with  me,  and  forgive  me  for  coming  only  to  tell 
you  I  cannot  accept  your  offer.  Do  not  ask  me  why  I  cannot. 
I  am  not  allowed  to  tell  you  the  reason,  but  I  know  that,  when 
you  learn  it  some  day,  you  will  certainly  approve  what  I  have 
done.  I  really  am  no  ungrateful  girl,  but  I  cannot  come  to 


THE  NATIONAL  REPRESENTATIVES.  253 

you,  dear  M.  Werkmeister.  I  have  greater  and  holier  duties 
to  fulfil — duties  to  which  God  Himself  has  called  me!" 

"That  is  to  say,  my  child,  you  do  not  wish  to  leave  your 
poor  old  parents?"  asked  Mr.  Werkmeister,  in  great  emotion. 
"  You  will  stay  with  them  at  their  small  house  and  eat  the 
invalid's  brown  bread  rather  than  live  luxuriously  at  the  beau- 
tiful capital  of  Prussia?  You  are  right,  perhaps,  my  child. 
You  are  the  only  joy  of  your  parents,  and  I  was  selfish,  per- 
haps, in  trying  to  rob  them  of  you.  But,  in  doing  so,  I 
thought  more  of  yourself,  and  desired  to  give  a  better  and 
brighter  sphere  to  your  youth.  But  we  must  all  pursue  the 
paths  which  God  and  our  conscience  have  marked  out  for 
us." 

"  Yes,"  exclaimed  Leonora,  enthusiastically,  "  you  are  right. 
Let  me,  therefore,  pursue  my  own  path,  and  may  Heaven  ac- 
company me!  You  are  not  angry  with  me,  then,  godfather? 
You  really  are  not?  No?  Now  give  me  your  hand,  god- 
father, and  let  me  take  leave  of  you  with  an  affectionate 
kiss!"  She  threw  her  arms  round  the  old  man's  neck,  and 
kissed  him  tenderly, 

"But  you  do  not  intend  to  leave  immediately?"  asked  M. 
Werkmeister,  surprised.  "  You  have  not  even  seen  my  sick 
wife,  and  talk  already  of  taking  leave?" 

"  Ah,  I  must  go.  I  have  still  much  to  attend  to,  and  must 
leave  Berlin  to-night.  But,  tell  me  one  thing!  What  is  the 
meaning  of  the  inscription  at  your  door,  and  why  is  there 
such  a  crowd  in  front  of  your  house?" 

"They  are  reading  the  placard  which  I  have  hung  out," 
said  M.  Werkmeister — "  the  request  which  I  addressed  to  all 
patriots." 

"  And  what  do  you  request  of  them  to  do,  godfather?" 

"  1  request  all  families,  and  especially  all  wives  and  affianced 
brides,  to  bring  their  gold  wedding-rings  to  me  and  receive 
iron  ones  in  return;  and  in  commemoration  of  these  times,  I 
have  had  ten  thousand  iron  rings  made,  and  the  royal  authori- 
ties approved  my  scheme  and  intrusted  me  with  the  collection 
of  the  gold  ones.  My  request  was  published  in  the  papers  of 
this  morning,  and  already  more  than  thirty  gold  rings  have 
been  exchanged.  Look,  here  are  the  iron  ones.  They  are 
very  neat,  are  they  not? — the  exact  shape  of  genuine  wedding- 
rings;  only  in  place  of  the  names,  the  inside  contains  the 
words,  ' I  gave  gold  for  iron,  1813.'  Read!" 

"Oh,  that  is  a  very  beautiful  idea,"  exclaimed  Leonora, 


254  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

contemplating  the  ring  which  he  had  handed  her.  "  Such  a 
memento  will  henceforth  be  the  most  precious  ornament  of  all 
wives,  and  no  gold  will  shine  so  brilliantly  and  be  so  valuable 
as  these  iron  rings  with  which  our  women  pledge  their  love  to 
their  native  land.  Ah,  dear  godfather,  I  would  like  to  ask  a 
favor  of  you.  I  am  no  wife,  nor  am  I  an  affianced  bride,  and 
I  have,  therefore,  no  wedding-ring  to  give  you.  I  have  noth- 
ing but  my  heart,  and  in  this  heart  there  is  no  other  love  than 
that  of  country.  Let  me,  therefore,  offer  it  to  the  fatherland 
instead  of  gold,  and  give  me  for  it  an  iron  ring  with  the 
beautiful  inscription:  '  I gave  gold  for  iron,  1813.'  " 

"  There  is  a  ring,  my  child ;  your  heart  is  pure  gold ;  let  it 
remain  so;  then  you  will  well  deserve  your  ring!"  He  placed 
it  on  her  finger,  and  she  thanked  him  with  a  blissful 
smile. 

"And  now  I  go,  dear  godfather,"  said  Leonora.  "Fare- 
well, and  do  not  forget  me !  And — 

At  this  moment  a  lady  entered  the  room.  Her  dress  indi- 
cated poverty,  and  her  face  was  pale  and  sunken,  but  her  eyes 
were  lit  up  with  a  noble  enthusiasm.  "  The  wedding-rings 
are  exchanged  here?"  she  asked. 

"Yes,  here." 

She  quickly  drew  two  from  her  finger,  and  handed  them  to 
M.  Werkmeister.  "  Take  them,"  she  cried.  "  One  of  these 
rings  belongs  to  me,  the  other  I  drew  from  the  finger  of  my 
dear  husband.  Ten  years  have  elapsed  since  then;  I  have 
always  worn  them,  and,  although  I  have  often  suffered  great 
privations,  I  could  never  part  with  my  only  treasure.  But 
to-day  I  do  so  joyously.  Give  me  my  iron  rings!"  She  took 
those  handed  her,  and  placed  them  on  her  finger.  "  Fare- 
well, sir,"  she  said.  "  These  will  be  my  daughter's  heirloom, 
and  I  know  she  will  rejoice  over  them."  She  had  not  yet 
crossed  the  threshold  when  another  lady  appeared,  and  an- 
other, and  more  followed  in  rapid  succession.  The  news- 
papers, containing  the  request,  had  been  read  in  the  whole 
city ;  all  the  married  women  hastened  to  comply  with  it,  and 
to  lay  down  their  wedding-rings  on  the  altar  of  the  father- 
land. Leonora  stood  as  if  fascinated  by  the  beautiful  and 
soul-stirring  scene.  With  radiant  eyes  she  gazed  at  the  ladies 
who  came  and  received  with  joyous  pride  iron  rings  in  ex- 
change for  gold  ones — at  the  young  women,  who,  blushing  and 
with  tearful  eyes,  gave  up  their  first  love-pledge — at  the  old 
matrons  who  came  totteringly  to  exchange  the  golden  reminis- 


THE  NATIONAL  REPRESENTATIVES.  255 

cences  of  the  days  of  their  youth  for  iron  ornaments.*  Tears 
of  profound  emotion  fell  from  Leonora's  eyes.  She  wished  to 
embrace  these  women  and  thank  them  for  their  patriotism. 

"I  will  also  prove  to  the  country  how  ardently  I  love  it," 
she  said  to  herself.  "  I  will  also  make  my  sacrifices.  I  must 
go,  Caroline  is  waiting  for  me.  I  must  buy  arms  for  the  sol- 
diers whom  I  intend  to  furnish."  She  shook  hands  with  her 
godfather  in  silence.  The  crowd  in  front  of  the  door  receded 
before  her,  and  allowed  her  to  pass,  filled  with  reverence  for 
the  women  who  returned  from  the  solemn  sacrifice  they  had 
made.  She  passed  on,  absorbed  in  her  reflections.  Once  she 
raised  her  hand,  and  contemplated  the  iron  ring  on  her  finger. 
"  I  gave  gold  for  iron !"  she  said,  raising  her  dark  eyes  toward 
heaven.  "I  am  now  a  bride,  too,  the  bride  of  my  country! 
Will  it  give  me  only  iron  for  the  gold  of  my  love?  Only  a 
bullet  or  a  sword-cut?  No  matter!  I  am  the  bride  of  the 
fatherland!  I  will  live  and  die  for  it!"  She  was  aroused 
from  her  musings  by  cheers  suddenly  resounding  from  the  side 
of  the  Gendarmes  Market.  An  immense  crowd  had  assembled 
there,  and  shouted  frantically,  their  faces  beaming  with  joy. 

"What  is  it?" 

And  a  hundred  jubilant  voices  replied:  "General  York  is 
coming  with  the  Prussians!  The  king  has  reinstated  York! 
The  court-martial  has  acquitted  him !"  f 

"Long  live  noble  General  York!"  shouted  the  crowd. 
"York  was  the  first  man  to  take  heart,  and  brave  the 
French!" 

"  York  is  coming  to  Berlin!"  shouted  others,  hurrying  from 
the  adjoining  streets  to  the  market-place.  "York,  with  his 
Prussians,  is  outside  the  King's  Gate,  and  to-morrow  he  will 
make  his  entry  into  Berlin !" 

"  Long  live  the  brave  general !  All  Berlin  will  meet  him 
to-morrow,  and  cheer  him  who  first  drew  his  sword  against 
the  French!  The  new  era  is  dawning  on  Prussia!" 

"Yes,  the  new  era  is  dawning  on  Prussia!"  exclaimed  Leo- 
nora. "  We  have  long  walked  in  sadness.  But  morning  is 
breaking — the  morning  of  freedom.  Now  we  shall  boldly 
raise  our  heads.  The  country  has  called  us,  and  we  all  have 
heard  the  call,  and  are  ready  to  conquer  or  die.  Hail,  brave 
York!  The  time  of  thraldom  is  past!  We  shall  rise  from 

*  On  the  first  day  about  two  hundred  wedding-rings  were  exchanged. — Vide  Beitzke, 
vol.  i. 

•f  York  made  his  entry  into  Berlin  at  the  head  of  the  Prussian  troops  on  the  17th  of 
March,  1813,  and  was  received  with  boundless  enthusiasm. 


256  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  dust,  and  the  Germans  will  now  reconquer  the  sacred 
right  of  being  Germans.  Oh,  my  heart,  rejoice !  I  am  no 
longer  a  girl,  I  am  one  of  Liitzow's  riflemen,  and  to-morrow 
I  shall  go  to  Breslau,  and  add  another  soldier  to  the  Legion 
of  Vengeance.  Farewell,  Leonora  Prohaska,  farewell!  Now 
you  are  a  man,  and  your  soul  must  be  manly,  strong,  and 
hopeful.  Long  live  Prussia!" 


WAR  AKD  AN  ARMISTICE. 


CHAPTEE    XXVI. 

THEODORE   KORNER. 

ANOTHER  corps  of  volunteers  leaving  Berlin  had  arrived  at 
Breslau,  and  just  alighted  from  their  wagons  on  the  large 
market-place,  called  the  "Ring,"  and  received  their  tickets 
for  quarters  at  the  city  hall.  Two  of  these  volunteers,  emerg- 
ing from  the  building,  descended  arm  in  arm  the  steps  of  the 
front  staircase.  They  were  two  young  men  of  slight  forms 
and  strangely  youthful  appearance.  Not  the  faintest  down 
was  around  their  fresh  lips,  and  white  and  delicate  were  their 
foreheads.  But  no  one  was  surprised  at  their  tender  age,  for 
people  were  accustomed  nowadays  to  see  lads  emulate  man- 
hood, believing  that  courage  did  not  depend  on  years.  By 
the  side  of  aged  men,  boys  who  had  just  been  confirmed  were 
seen  to  enter  the  ranks  of  the  volunteers,  and  handle  their 
muskets  with  the  same  strength  and  energy  as  veteran  sol- 
diers. No  one,  therefore,  particularly  noticed  the  youthful 
age  of  the  two  volunteers  who  came  forth  from  the  city  hall, 
and  were  now  crossing  the  place  arm  in  arm. 

"Now  our  lot  is  cast,"  said  one  of  them,  with  a  smile. 
"We  are  soldiers!" 

"Yes,  we  are  soldiers,"  cried  the  other,  "and  we  shall  be 
brave  ones,  Caroline!" 

"Caroline!"  echoed  the  other,  in  dismay.  "How  impru- 
dent! Did  we  not  leave  our  female  names  with  our  wearing 
apparel  at  Berlin  with  the  Jew,  Leonora?" 

"Ah,  and  you  call  me,  too,  by  my  female  name,"  said 
Leonora,  with  a  gentle  smile.  "No  matter!  it  is  all  right 
enough  so  long  as  no  one  hears  it.  We  have  no  secrets  from 
each  other,  and  we  are,  therefore,  allowed  to  call  each  other 
by  the  names  received  at  the  baptismal  font." 

"  But  before  the  world  we  call  ourselves  differently  now;  I 


258  NAPOLEON  AND  BLTJCHER. 

am  Charles   Petersen,  and  you — what   is  your  name  now, 
Leonora?" 

"My  name  is  Charles  Eenz,"  said  Leonora,  smiling. 
"  That  was  the  name  of  my  dear  teacher,  to  whom  I  am  in- 
debted for  what  little  knowledge  I  have  acquired,  and  who 
originally  induced  me  to  take  the  step  I  have  ventured  upon. 
He  had  been  a  soldier  a  long  time,  and  loved  his  country  and 
the  royal  family.  History  was  his  favorite  study,  and  he  told 
me  of  the  heroic  deeds  of  ancient  nations  in  their  struggles  for 
liberty.  His  eyes  beamed  with  transcendent  ardor,  and  the 
words  flowed  from  his  lips  like  a  stream  of  poetry.  He  taught 
me  that,  when  the  country  was  in  danger,  it  was  the  duty  of 
the  women  to  take  up  arms  in  its  defence,  and  that  there  was 
no  more  beautiful  death  than  that  on  the  field  of  honor.  Joan 
of  Orleans  and  the  Maid  of  Saragossa  were  his  favorite  hero- 
ines, and  he  always  called  Queen  Louisa  the  martyr  of  Ger- 
man liberty.  When  she  died,  three  years  ago,  the  first  idea 
that  struck  me  was,  how  my  old  teacher  would  bear  up  under 
this  grief,  and  that  it  was  incumbent  upon  me  to  comfort 
him.  I  hastened  to  him,  and  found  him  sad  and  disheartened. 
'Now  my  hopes  for  Germany  are  gone,'  he  said,  'for  the  genius 
of  German  liberty  has  left  us  and  fled  to  heaven.  Beautiful 
and  noble  Queen  Louisa  might,  perhaps,  have  still  inspired 
the  Germans  to  rise  in  arms  against  the  tyrant ;  but  she  is 
dead,  and  liberty  has  died  with  her.'  'No,'  I  cried,  'no! 
liberty  will  blossom  from  her  grave.  Germany  will  rise  to 
avenge  the  martyrdom  of  the  queen;  Germany's  wrath  will 
be  kindled  anew  by  the  sufferings  of  this  august  victim  that 
Napoleon's  tyranny  has  wrung  from  us.  Yes,  the  country 
will  rise  to  avenge  Louisa. '  He  gazed  at  me  a  long  while,  and 
his  tears  ceased  to  flow.  After  a  prolonged  pause  he  said: 
'If  it  be  as  you  say,  if  Germany  take  up  arms,  what  will  you 
do,  Leonora?  Will  you  stay  at  home,  knit  stockings,  and 
scrape  lint,  or  will  you  sacrifice  your  heart,  your  blood,  your 
life,  and  be  a  heroine?'  I  exclaimed,  joyously :  'I  will  sacri- 
fice all  to  the  fatherland,  and  help  to  achieve  the  victory,  or 
die  on  the  battle-field!'  The  eyes  of  my  old  teacher  were 
radiant  with  delight.  'Swear  it  to  me,  Leonora,'  he  cried, 
'swear  to  me,  by  all  that  is  sacred — swear  by  the  memory  of 
our  sainted  Queen  Louisa!'  I  laid  my  hand  on  the  Bible,  and 
swore  by  the  memory  of  Queen  Louisa  to  fight  like  a  man  and  a 
hero.  I  am  now  about  to  fulfil  my  oath,  and,  as  my  dear  old 
teacher  has  died,  I  have  adopted  his  name  as  my  inheritance, 


THEODORE  KORNER.  259 

and  call  myself  Charles  Renz.  It  seems  to  me  it  is  a  doubly 
sacred  duty  now  to  be  brave,  for  I  must  do  honor  to  my  teacher's 
name." 

"And  you  will  do  so,  I  am  sure,"  cried  Caroline.  "And  I 
will  do  so,  too,  Leonora.  No  teacher  has  impelled  me  to  love 
my  native  land.  This  sentiment  is  spontaneous;  perhaps  be- 
cause I  have  nothing  else  to  love.  I  am  alone  in  the  world; 
my  dear  parents  are  dead ;  I  have  no  brothers  or  sisters,  no 
lover ;  and  inasmuch  as  I  have  nothing  to  love,  I  gave  up  my 
heart  to  hatred.  I  hate  the  French,  and,  above  all,  Napoleon, 
who  has  brought  so  much  misery  on  Europe,  and  for  ten  years 
has  spilt  rivers  of  blood.  It  is  hatred  that  has  incited  me — 
hatred  has  forced  the  sword  into  my  hand,  and  when  we  go 
into  battle,  I  shall  not  only  call,  like  you,  'Long  live  the 
fatherland!'  but  add,  'Death  to  the  tyrant  Napoleon,  the 
enemy  of  the  Germans!'  Yes,  I  hate  this  Bonaparte  more 
intensely  than  I  love  my  own  life;  and,  as  I  could  not  stab 
him  with  the  needle,  with  which  I  made  caps  and  bonnets  for 
the  fair  ladies  of  Berlin,  I  have  cast  it  aside,  and  taken  up 
the  sword.  That  is  my  whole  history — the  history  of  the 
ci-devant  milliner  Caroline  Peters,  the  future  horseman 
Charles  Petersen." 

"  What !"  ejaculated  Leonora,  in  amazement.  "  You  intend 
to  enlist  in  the  cavalry?" 

"  If  they  will  accept  me.  I  am  well  versed  in  horseman- 
ship, for  when  my  father  was  still  living  I  rode  out  with  him 
every  day.  He  was  a  much-respected  farmer  in  the  suburbs 
of  Stralsund,  and  owned  many  horses.  During  the  siege  of 
Stralsund  he  lost  every  thing,  and  we  were  reduced  to  extreme 
poverty.  My  father  died  of  grief,  and  since  that  time  I  have 
not  again  mounted  a  horse.  But  I  think  I  still  know  how  to 
manage  one,  and  am  not  afraid  of  doing  so." 

"  But  why  will  you  ?  Why  not  remain  in  the  infantry, 
which  would  be  much  more  natural  and  simple?" 

"  Why?  Shall  I  tell  you  the  truth,  Leonora?  Let  me  tell 
you,  then,  confidentially;  it  is  because  long  marches  would 
incommode  me.  And  you?  Would  it  not  be  better  for  you 
to  follow  my  example?" 

"No,"  said  Leonora,  "I  shall  remain  in  the  infantry,  and 
become  one  of  Liitzow's  riflemen — a  member  of  the  Legion  of 
Vengeance. — I  believe  we  have  arrived  at  the  house  designated 
to  us.  Major  von  Liitzow  lives  here ;  the  numerous  volunteers 
who  are  going  in  and  out  show  that  we  have  reached  his 


200  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

headquarters.  Now,  Caroline,  farewell!  and  let  me  greet 
you,  friend  Charles  Petersen!" 

"Leonora,  farewell!  and  let  me  greet  yon,  friend  Charles 
Renz !"  They  shook  hands  and  looked  into  each  other's  glow- 
ing faces. 

"Forward  now,  comrade!"  said  Caroline,  walking  toward 
the  house 

"Forward!"  echoed  Leonora,  jubilantly. 

Arm  in  arm  they  walked  across  the  gloomy  hall  to  the  low, 
brown  door,  entering  the  room  pointed  out  to  them  as  Major 
von  Liitzow's  recruiting-office.  It  was  a  large,  low  room; 
long  tables,  painted  brown,  such  as  are  to  be  found  in  small 
taverns  or  beer-saloons,  stood  on  both  sides  of  the  smoky 
whitewashed  walls;  low  stools,  of  the  same  description,  were 
beside  them,  and  constituted,  with  the  tables,  the  only  furni- 
ture of  this  hall,  where  the  citizens  and  mechanics  had 
formerly  taken  their  beer,  and  where  now  the  volunteers  came 
to  take  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  fatherland  and  Major  von 
Liitzow.  In  the  middle  of  this  room  stood  a  young  lady  of 
rare  beauty.  A  plain  black  dress  enveloped  her  form,  reach- 
ing to  her  neck  and  veiling  her  bust.  Her  face  was  very 
white  and  delicate,  a  complexion  to  be  found  only  among  the 
fair  daughters  of  the  North ;  her  blond  hair  fell  down  in  heavy 
ringlets  beside  her  faintly-flushed  cheeks;  a  fervent  light  was 
beaming  from  her  large  light-blue  eyes. 

"  That  is  Madame  von  Liitzow,  to  whom  the  travellers  in 
the  stage-coach  alluded,"  said  Leonora  to  herself ;  "it  is  the 
count's  noble  daughter,  who  poured  a  glass  of  water  over  her 
hand  because  a  Frenchman  had  kissed  it,  and  who  descended 
from  her  father's  castle  to  marry  a  poor  Prussian  officer,  whom 
she  loved  for  the  scars  on  his  forehead." 

The  beautiful  lady  approached  the  two  young  volunteers 
with  a  sweet,  winning  smile.  "  You  wish  to  see  Major  von 
Liitzow,  do  you  not?"  she  inquired.  "Unfortunately,  he  is 
not  at  home;  pressing  business  matters  prevent  him  from 
personally  welcoming  the  young  heroes  who  wish  to  join  him. 
He  has  charged  me  with  doing  so  in  his  place,  and  you  may 
believe  that  I  bid  you  welcome  with  as  joyous  a  heart  as  my 
husband  would  do." 

"Oh,  we  are  so  happy  to  be  received  by  you,"  said  Leonora, 
smiling,  "  for  we  were  told  at  Berlin  of  noble  and  beautiful 
Madame  von  Liitzow  enlisting  the  Legion  of  Vengeance,  and 
who  is  so  true  a  representative  of  the  great  idea  of  our  strug- 


THEODORE  KEENER.  261 

gle.  For  our  struggle  is  one  both  of  vengeance  and  love. 
Since  then  we  have  longed  to  be  enlisted  by  you,  madame, 
and  to  take  our  oath  of  fidelity." 

"I  accept  it  in  the  name  of  Major  von  Liitzow,"  said  the 
lady,  with  a  gentle  smile.  "  Here  are  your  numbers,  and  now 
give  me  your  names  that  I  may  enter  them  in  the  recruiting 
book."  She  approached  the  table  on  which  the  large  open 
book  was  lying,  and  quickly  noted  down  the  names  which  the 
two  volunteers  gave,  affixing  the  numbers  already  given. 
"Now,  then,"  she  said,  kindly,  nodding  to  them,  "you  are 
enlisted  in  the  sacred  service  of  the  fatherland,  and  I  hope 
you  will  do  your  duty.  I  hope  you — " 

At  this  moment  the  door  was  opened  hastily,  and  a  young 
man  rushed  into  the  room. 

"Theodore  Korner!"  ejaculated  the  lady,  greeting  him 
cordially. 

"Yes,  Madame  von  Liitzow,  it  is  I,"  exclaimed  the  young 
man,  saluting  the  two  volunteers — "  it  is  I,  and  I  come  to  you 
a  prey  to  boundless  despair!" 

Madame  von  Liitzow  hastened  to  him,  and  looked  with  an 
expression  of  heart-felt  sympathy  into  his  handsome,  pale 
face. 

"  Yes,  indeed,"  she  said,  "  your  face  looks  like  a  cloud  from 
which  thunder  and  lightning  may  be  expected  at  any  moment. 
What  is  the  matter?  What  has  happened  to  you,  my  poet 
and  hero?" 

"  Come,  let  us  go,"  whispered  Caroline  to  her  friend. 

"No,  let  us  stay,"  said  Leonora,  in  a  low  voice.  "If  it  is 
a  secret,  they  will  bid  us  go ;  but  I  should  like  to  know  what 
ails  the  fine-looking  young  man  whom  Madame  von  Liitzow 
calls  a  poet  and  a  hero.  Oh,  I  have  never  yet  seen  a  poet, 
and  this  one  is  so  handsome!" 

"Let  us  sit  down  on  this  bench,"  whispered  Caroline, 
"  and—" 

"Hush,  let  us  listen!"  said  Leonora,  sitting  down. 

"It  is  not  that,  then?"  exclaimed  the  lady,  who  in  the 
mean  time  had  continued  her  conversation  with  the  young 
man.  "  Your  father  has  not  rebuked  his  son  for  the  quick 
resolve  he  had  taken." 

"No,  no, "said  Theodore  Korner,  hastily,  "on  the  con- 
trary, my  father  approves  my  determination  to  enlist,  and 
sends  me  his  blessing.  I  received  a  very  touching  letter  from 
him  this  morning." 


268  NAPOLEON    AND  BLUCHER. 

"  It  is  his  affianced  bride,  then,  that  has  driven  our  poet  to 
despair,  because  he  loves  her  more  ardently  than  the  father- 
land," said  Madame  von  Liitzow.  "  It  is  true,  I  cannot  blame 
her  for  it,  for  the  woman  that  loves  has  but  one  country — the 
heart  of  her  lover,  and  she  is  homeless  as  soon  it  turns  from 
her.  But  this  is  precisely  the  grand  and  beautiful  sacrifice — 
that  you  give  up  for  the  sake  of  your  country  all  that  we 
otherwise  call  the  greatest  and  holiest  blessings  of  life — your 
affianced  bride;  your  pleasant,  comfortable  existence;  a  fine, 
honorable  position,  and  a  future  full  of  a  poet's  fame  and 
splendor.  It  is,  indeed,  a  sacrifice,  but  a  sacrifice  for  which 
the  fatherland  will  thank  you,  and  which  will  incite  thousands 
to  emulate  your  noble  example." 

"Would  it  were  so!"  exclaimed  Korner,  enthusiastically, 
raising  his  large  black  eyes  to  heaven ;  "  would  that  our  patri- 
otic ardor  struck  all  hearts  like  a  thunderbolt,  and  kindled  a 
conflagration,  whose  flames  would  shed  a  lustre  over  the  re- 
motest times!  I  do  not  deny  that  I  felt  how  great  was  the 
sacrifice  I  made,  but  this  very  feeling  filled  me  with  enthusi- 
asm. All  the  stars  of  my  happiness  were  shining  upon  me  in 
mild  beauty,  but  I  was  not  allowed  to  look  up  to  them  because 
it  was  the  night  of  adversity ;  but  now  that  this  night  is  about 
to  vanish,  and  a  new  morning  is  dawning,  my  stars,  too,  must 
fade  before  the  sun  of  liberty.  That  was  the  sacred  conviction 
which  drove  me  away  from  Vienna,  from  my  betrothed  bride, 
and  caused  me  to  cast  aside  all  that  otherwise  imparts  value  to 
life.  A  great  era  requires  great  hearts.  I  felt  strong  enough 
to  go  out  and  bare  my  breast  to  the  storm.  Could  I  do  noth- 
ing but  sing  songs  in  honor  of  my  victorious  brethren?  No 
one  would  have  then  loved  and  esteemed  me  any  longer ;  my 
parents  would  have  been  ashamed  of  me,  and  my  affianced 
bride  would  have  contemptuously  turned  away  from  the 
cowardly  poet.  Therefore,  I  gave  up  every  thing  for  the  sake 
of  my  native  land.  It  is  true,  my  parents  and  my  Emma  will 
weep  for  me.  May  God  comfort  them !  I  could  not  spare 
them  this  blow.  It  is  not  much  that  I  risk  my  life;  but  that 
this  life  is  adorned  with  love,  friendship,  and  joy,  and  that 
I  nevertheless  risk  it,  is  a  sacrifice  that  can  be  compensated 
only  by  love  of  country,  more  sacred  than  any  other  love,  and 
to  it  we  should  devote  our  life.*  My  noble  father  feels  and 
knows  this,  and  so  does  my  betrothed." 

*His  own  words.— Vide  "Theodore  Korner's  Works,"  edited  by  Carl Streckfus* 
p.  64. 


THEODORE  KORNER.  263 

"  And  yet,  agreed  though  you  are  with  yourself  and  your 
dear  ones,  why  this  despair?"  asked  Madame  von  Liitzow, 
with  a  smile. 

Korner  looked  down  in  confusion,  and  then  raised  his 
flaming  eyes  with  a  strange  expression.  "  Ah'  madame,"  he 
exclaimed,  "  I  divine  your  stratagem ;  it  is  that  of  an  angel, 
and,  therefore,  worthy  of  you." 

"  What  stratagem  do  you  mean?"  she  asked,  with  a  sem- 
blance of  surprise. 

"  The  angelic  stratagem  by  which  you  comforted  me  in  my 
grief,  without  knowing  its  cause.  When  I  rushed  so  im- 
politely into  this  room,  I  told  you  that  I  was  in  despair.  And 
you,  instead  of  urging  me  to  tell  you  at  once  the  cause  of  it, 
inquired  for  the  great  affairs  of  my  life,  and  whether  my 
affliction  came  from  my  parents  or  my  affianced  bride.  You 
thereby  wished  to  admonish  me  that  these  momentous  affairs 
and  relations  of  my  life,  not  having  lost  their  harmony,  my 
grief  was,  perhaps,  but  a  passing  dissonance,  and  that  it  really 
might  not  be  worth  while  to  give  way  to  despair  on  account  of 
it.  I  am  sure,  madame,  I  have  understood  you :  was  not  this 
the  object  of  your  questions?" 

Madame  von  Liitzow  nodded  gently.  "  You  have  under- 
stood me,"  she  said.  "I  think  in  all  our  grievances  we 
should,  before  giving  way  to  vexation  or  despair,  lay  the  great 
questions  of  life  before  us,  and  inquire  whether  that  which 
Aveighs  us  down  touches  them,  whether  it  strikes  at  our  true 
happiness.  Now,  if  this  is  not  the  case,  we  should  bear  the 
grievance  lightly,  and  not  consider  it  a  misfortune.  To  feel 
greatly  what  is  great,  and  to  heed  little  what  is  little,  is  the 
true  wisdom  of  life." 

"You  are  right,  as  you  always  are,"  said  Theodore  Korner, 
reverentially  bowing  to  the  beautiful  lady,  "  and  let  me  peni- 
tently confess,  then,  that  I  have  this  time  heeded  greatly  what 
is  little  and  have  considered  what  grieved  me  a  great  mis- 
fortune. But  now  that  I  have  confessed  my  guilt,  the 
guardian  angel  of  the  volunteers  must  have  mercy  upon  me 
and  come  to  my  assistance.  For  something  very  unpleasant 
has  really  befallen  me,  and  no  philosophy  can  dispute  it." 

"  Well,  confess  what  it  is,"  exclaimed  Madame  von  Liitzow, 
smiling. 

"  You  know,  madame,  that  our  Legion  of  Vengeance  is  to 
be  solemnly  consecrated  at  the  village  of  Rochau,  at  the  foqfc 
of  the  Zobtenberg,  on  Sunday  next?" 


264  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Of  course  I  do,  and  I  shall  accompanay  Liitzow  and  the 
volunteers  in  order  to  witness  the  ceremony." 

"  At  the  village  church  we  are  all  to  appear  for  the  first 
time  in  our  black  uniforms,  to  receive  the  preacher's  blessing, 
and  to  be  consecrated  as  soldiers  of  the  fatherland.  I  myself 
have  written  a  poem,  adapted  to  the  air  of  an  anthem,  for 
this  solemn  occasion,  and  all  my  comrades  will  sing  it.  After 
the  sermon  the  volunteers  in  the  church  will  take  the  oath  of 
war  upon  the  swords  of  their  officers.  I  have  been  ardently 
yearning  for  this  day,  and  now  I  shall  probably  be  unable  to 
participate  in  its  services,  for — do  not  laugh,  madame,  at  my 
insignificant  mishap — the  tailor  refuses  to  make  me  a  uniform 
by  that  time,  and  in  citizen's  clothes,  as  a  fashionable  dandy,  I 
really  cannot  appear  among  the  brave  men  who  will  proudly 
walk  about  in  their  litefkaes.  The  tailor  says  it  is  impossible 
for  him  to  make  a  uniform  at  so  short  a  notice ;  he  pretends 
to  be  overwhelmed  with  work,  and  does  not  know  where  to 
find  hands.  Now  you,  the  helping,  advising,  and  protecting 
genius  of  the  volunteers,  are  my  last  consolation  and  resort. 
If  you  send  for  the  cruel  tailor,  and  tell  him  how  important 
it  is  for  me  to  participate  in  that  ceremony,  your  words  will 
render  possible  what  now  he  declares  impossible.  Therefore, 
send  for  the  tailor,  madame;  he  fortunately  lives  close  by,  in 
the  court-yard,  in  the  large  rear  building;  order  him  to  make 
me  a  uniform,  and  he  will  have  to  do  so,  for  who  could  with- 
stand your  words?" 

"Well,  I  will  try,"  said  Madame  von  Liitzow,  smiling.  "I 
will  see  whether  my  words  are  so  impressive  as  to  move  a 
tailor's  heart." 

"  And  if  he  is  unable  to  comply  with  your  wishes  because 
he  lacks  assistants,"  said  Leonora,  hastily  rising  from  her  seat 
near  the  door,  and  approaching  Korner  and  Madame  von  Liit- 
zow, "I  offer  myself  as  an  assistant,  for  I  am  a  tailor." 

"So  am  I,"  exclaimed  Caroline,  vividly.  "I  know,  too, 
how  to  ply  the  needle,  and  am  ready  to  assist  in  sewing  a 
comrade's  uniform." 

"  Ah,  the  volunteers  whom  I  have  just  enlisted,  and  whose 
pardon  I  have  to  ask  for  having  forgotten  them,"  cried  Ma- 
dame Von  Liitzow,  smiling. 

"  We  have  rather  to  ask  your  pardon  for  staying  here,"  said 
Leonora.  "  But  we  are  indebted  to  you  and  to  the  poet  Theo- 
dore Korner  for  the  most  soul-stirring  sentiments,  and  it 
seems  to  me  as  though  we  have  received  only  now  the  true 


THEODORE  KORNER.  265 

consecration  for  the  future  that  lies  before  us.  Now,  that  I 
know  what  great  sacrifices  one  may  joyously  make,  I  feel  how 
incumbent  it  was  upon  me  to  make  them  too,  and  I  have  no 
remorse  at  leaving  my  parents  and  my  brothers  It  is  cer- 
tainly true,  as  the  poet  said:  'A  great  era  requires  great 
hearts ! '  And  therefore  I  will  try,  to  the  best  of  my  power, 
to  have  a  great  heart,  that  I  may  be  worthy  of  our  great  era." 

"  A  great  and  noble  heart  is  beaming  from  your  eyes,  my 
friend,"  said  Theodore  Korner,  offering  his  hand  to  Leonora. 
"  I  greet  you  both  as  dear  comrades  of  mine,  and  beg  you  to 
treat  me  as  one." 

"Yes,  we  will  do  so,"  exclaimed  Caroline,  shaking  hands 
with  the  poet.  "  And  we  will  prove  it  directly  by  going  to 
that  tailor  and  offering  to  assist  him  in  making  the  uniform 
of  our  esteemed  lieutenant." 

"Softly,  my  friend!"  laughed  Theodore  Korner,  "I  have 
not  yet  risen  so  high;  I  am  no  lieutenant." 

"But  you  will  be  soon,"  said  Caroline,  ardently;  "for 
one  may  easily  read  in  your  face  that  you  are  born  to  com- 
mand, and  not  to  obey.  We  volunteers  are  to  elect  our  own 
officers.  Well,  then,  I  shall  vote  for  Theodore  Korner."  * 

"So  shall  I!"  ejaculated  Leonora. 

"  But  while  indulging  in  such  dreams  as  to  the  future,  we 
forgot  the  grim  tailor,"  said  Theodore  Korner,  smiling. 
"  Madame  von  Liitzow,  I  beseech  you,  pity  my  distress,  and 
send  for  him,  that  your  eloquence  may  soften  his  heart." 

"But  suppose  he  does  not  comply?"  asked  Madame  von 
Liitzow.  "  It  would  be  wrong,  too,  to  occupy  his  time  while 
so  busy.  You  say  the  man  lives  near?" 

"  Scarcely  fifty  steps  from  here." 

"  Well,  then,  conduct  me  to  him!"  said  Madame  von  Lut- 
zow,  "  we  will  pay  a  visit  to  him  as  Torquato  Tasso  once  went 
to  the  Duke  di  Ferrara.  You,  my  two  young  friends,  will 
please  accompany  us,  that  we  may  present  to  him  two  willing 
assistants.  Come !" 

"  Yes,  madame,  and  may  your  eloquence  prevail!"  exclaimed 
Korner,  opening  the  door,  and  posting  himself  beside  it  in 
order  to  allow  the  lady  to  pass  out.  Graceful  and  smiling, 
she  hastened  through  the  gloomy  room  and  approached  the 
door,  followed  by  the  two  volunteers  with  their  rosy  faces  and 
bright  eyes.  When  about  to  cross  the  threshold,  she  stood 
and  gazed  archly  at  Korner.  "  Stop,"  she  said,  "I  have  to 

*  Theodore  Korner  was  elected  lieutenant  by  his  comrades  on  the  24th  of  April. 
18 


266  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

impose  a  condition.  If  we  are  to  assist  a  poet,  he  must  in 
return  pay  us  a  poet's  tribute.  I  shall  not  cross  this  thresh- 
old before  you  recite  one  of  your  new  war-songs." 

"Yes,  a  song!"  cried  the  two  volunteers. 

"Well,  you  are  silent?"  asked  Madame  von  Liitzow,  smil- 
ing. "  Strike  the  chords  of  your  lyre,  and  let  us  hear  a 
battle-hymn!" 

"No,  not  a  battle-hymn,"  said  Theodore  Korner;  "that 
requires  the  accompaniment  of  clashing  arms  and  booming 
cannon.  But  to  the  fair  patroness  of  the  Legion  of  Ven- 
geance I  will  communicate,  although  it  is  not  completed,  my 
hymn  to  the  guardian  angel  of  German  liberty — Queen 
Louisa!"  Eaising  his  dark-blue  eyes  to  heaven,  he  recited 
the  following  lines,  addressed  "to  Queen  Louisa:" 

"  Du  Heilige  !  h8r'  Deiner  Kinder  Flehen, 

Es  dringe  machtig  auf  zu  deinem  Licht. 
Kannst  wieder  freundlich  auf  uns  niedersehen 

Verklarter  Engel  !  langer  weine  nicht ! 
Denn  Preussens  Adler  soil  zum  Kampfe  wehen. 

Es  drangt  Dein  Volk  sich  jubelnd  zu  der  Pflicht, 
Und  Jeder  wahlt,  und  keinen  siehst  du  leben, 
Den  f reien  Tod  fur  ein  bezwung'nes  Leben. 

"  Wir  lagen  noch  in  feige  Nacht  gebettet ; 

Da  rief  nach  Dir  Dein  besseres  Geschick, 
An  die  unwiird'ge  Zeit  warst  Du  gekettet, 

Zur  Rache  mahnte  Dein  gebrocn'ner  Blick. 
So  hast  Du  uns  den  deutschen  Muth  gerettet. 

Jetzt  sieh  auf  uns,  sieh  auf  Dein  Volk  zuriick, 
Wie  alle  Herzen  treu  und  muthig  brennen  I 
Nun  wolP  uns  auch  die  Deinen  wieder  nennen  I 

"  Und  wie  einst,  alle  Krafte  zu  beleben, 

Ein  Heil'genbild,  fiir  den  gerechten  Krieg 
Dem  Heeresbanner  schiitzend  zugegeben, 

Als  Oriflamme  in  die  Liifte  stieg  : 
So  soil  Dein  Bild  auf  unsern  Fahnen  schweben, 

Und  soil  uns  leuchten  durch  die  Nacht  zum  Sieg ! 
Louise  sei  der  Schutzgeist  deutscher  Sache  1 
Louise  sei  das  Losungswort  zur  Rache  !  "  * 

"  Louisa  shall  be  the  guardian  angel  of  the  German  cause 
and  the  battle-cry  of  vengeance!"  echoed  the  two  volunteers. 

*  O  sainted  one  1  now  let  thy  children's  prayer, 

As  incense,  rise  to  realms  of  heavenly  light ; 
Beholding  us  thou  canst  with  gladness  hear. 

And  tears  no  more  may  dim  thy  vision  bright : 
For  Prussia's  standard  in  the  battle  near 

Will  nerve  thy  people  to  their  ancient  might. 
Thy  sons  in  crowded  ranks  await  the  strife, 
Preferring  a  free  death  to  slavery's  life. 

Enthralled  in  long  and  timid  gloom  we  lay  ; 

When  Heaven  recalled  thee,  and  thy  fetters  broke 
Which  bound  thee  to  thy  times'  unworthy  sway, 

Thy  dying  eyes  of  future  vengeance  spokQ. 


THE  HEROIC  TAILOR.  267 

Madame  von  Liitzow  said  nothing.  She  stood,  with  her 
white  hands  clasped,  as  if  in  prayer,  and  her  sweet  face  turned 
heavenward.  Tears  were  glittering  in  her  eyes;  and,  giving 
her  hand  to  the  poet,  she  said  in  a  low  voice:  "You  have 
paid  us  a  tribute  worthy  of  you.  Thanks!  And  now  come!" 
She  quickly  crossed  the  threshold  toward  the  court-yard. 
Korner  was  by  her  side ;  Leonora  and  Caroline,  the  two  volun- 
teers, followed  her. 

"  The  four  windows  on  the  ground-floor  yonder  are  those  of 
the  tailor's  shop,"  said  Korner. 

Madame  von  Liitzow  nodded,  and  walked  across  the  wide 
court-yard  toward  the  house. 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 

THE   HEROIC   TAILOR. 

THE  tailor  and  his  hands  were  very  busy.  All  sorts  of 
colored  cloths  and  pieces  of  uniforms  were  lying  about.  On 
the  bench,  in  the  middle  of  the  room,  sat  four  workmen,  hard 
at  work.  Not  a  word  interrupted  the  silence  now  desecrated 
by  the  noise  of  the  opening  door.  He  who  sat  on  a  somewhat 
raised  seat,  and  was  just  braiding  a  magnificent  scarlet  hussar- 
jacket,  hastily  looked  up.  His  hand,  armed  with  his  needle, 
had  just  risen  and  remained  suspended;  his  eyes,  which  he 
had  at  first  raised  carelessly  from  his  work,  were  fixed  on  the 
door,  which  framed  so  unusual  and  attractive  a  picture — a 
young  lady  of  surpassing  beauty,  surrounded  by  three  youthful 
soldiers,  who  looked  very  fine  and  imposing,  too,  and  whose 
looks  were  turned  to  him  with  a  kind  and  inquiring  expression. 

"You  are  M.  Martin,  the  merchant  tailor,  are  you  not?" 
asked  the  lady,  greeting  the  tailor  with  a  gentle  nod. 

"That  is  my  name,"  said  M.  Martin,  involuntarily  rising 
from  his  seat. 

Thus  didst  thou  save  on  that  sad  final  day 

The  German  honor,  and  our  courage  woke. 
Behold  us  now,  as  we  all  fear  resign, 
With  glowing  hearts,  and  once  more  call  us  thine  I 

As  erst  to  serried  legions  in  the  field, 

A  sacred  symbol,  as  a  golden  flame, 
Lit  up  the  battle-standard,  and  revealed 

For  whom  the  victory's  just  though  bloody  claim: 
So  let  us,  'neath  thy  bannered  image,  wield 

A  valiant  sword— our  "  oriflamme  "  thy  name— 
The  pledge  of  honor  and  the  gathering  cry, 
To  live  for  Prussia's  glory,  or  to  die  1 


268  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHEB. 

"Well,  then,  my  dear  sir,"  said  the  lady,  advancing  a  few 
steps  into  the  shop,  "I  should  like  to  say  a  word  to  you." 

"Yes,  I  imagine  what  it  is,"  exclaimed  the  tailor,  who  fixed 
his  eyes  now  upon  Theodore  Korner,  and  recognized  his  tor- 
mentor. "  The  gentleman  has  been  here  twice  already  about 
a  uniform  for  Sunday.  But  I  could  not  make  it,  if  an  angel 
descended  from  heaven  to  entreat  me." 

"Well,  I  thank  you  for  your  compliment,"  said  Madame 
von  Liitzow,  smiling.  "  But  tell  me  now,  sir,  why  can  you 
not  accommodate  him?" 

"  Because  I  have  more  work  now  than  I  am  able  to  finish. 
I  was  rash  enough  to  accept  so  many  orders,  that  I  do  not 
know  how  I  shall  be  able  to  fill  them';  and  in  the  excitement 
and  confusion  prevalent  in  the  city  it  is  impossible  to  get  as- 
sistance at  present." 

"  Well,  if  that  is  the  only  jeason,  we  bring  you  fresh  help. 
These  two  young  volunteers  are  ready  to  work  under  your 
supervision,  and  finish  the  uniform  of  their  comrade." 

The  tailor  glanced  toward  the  two  young  volunteers. 
"  Lads,  scarcely  sixteen  years  old!"  he  said,  shrugging  his 
shoulders;  "it  is  impossible  that  they  can  be  experienced 
artists." 

"But  both  aflBrm  that  they  are  tailors,"  said  Madam  von 
Lutzow,  "and  skilled  in  their  trade." 

"Yes,  sir,  please  give  us  a  trial,"  begged  Leonora. 

"We  are  quick  and  skilful  workmen,"  protested  Caroline. 

"  Regular  tailors?"  asked  M.  Martin. 

"Yes,  regular  tailors,"  replied  Leonora. 

"Very  well.  Finish  this  collar;  the  needle  is  still  in  it," 
said  M.  Martin,  handing  the  scarlet  soldier- jacket  to  Leonora. 

The  young  volunteer  blushed,  and  said  in  a  low  voice: 
"  To  be  sure,  sir,  I  must  ask  you  to  show  me  how  to  do  it,  for 
I  have  never  yet  worked  on  men's  clothes." 

"A  ladies'  tailor?"  exclaimed  M.  Martin,  with  an  expres- 
sion of  boundless  contempt.  "  The  other  one,  too?" 

"Yes,  I  also  am  a  ladies'  tailor,"  said  Caroline,  smiling. 

"  And  they  are  bold  enough  to  offer  their  assistance  to  me  !  " 
exclaimed  M.  Martin,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 

"  It  is  only  necessary  for  you  to  give  them  proper  directions, 
sir,"  said  Madame  von  Lutzow,  entreatingly,  "for  as  they 
know  how  to  ply  the  needle  they  will  easily  understand  what 
to  do." 

"  And  if  the  uniform  should  not  fit  well,  or  be  badly  made, 


THE  HEROIC  TAILOR.  269 

it  will  be  laid  at  my  door,  and  M.  Martin  will  be  blamed  for 
it.  I  assure  you  I  cannot  take  the  job ;  I  am  short  of  work- 
men of  the  necessary  experience.  No  one  wants  to  work  now- 
adays— all  heads  are  turned — all  young  men  are  enlisting." 

"  No,  sir,"  said  the  lady,  "  all  heads  are  turned  right  again 
— to  one  thing  necessary  at  this  time — to  the  service  of  the 
fatherland." 

"Bah!  my  shop  is  my  fatherland,"  said  the  tailor,  con- 
temptuously. 

"That  is  not  true,"  exclaimed  Madame  von  Liitzow,  "yon 
do  not  and  cannot  think  so.  For  if  you  did,  you  would  be  no 
Prussian,  no  German,  and  no  one  could  love  and  respect  you. 
During  the  period  of  adversity  and  disgrace,  your  shop  may 
have  been  a  comfort  to  you ;  but  now  that  the  sun  of  liberty 
is  rising,  all  hearts  must  throb  joyously ;  all  must  go  out  and 
gaze  upon  the  new  world ;  the  shop  no  longer  contains  the 
work  worthy  of  a  freeman — it  is  to  be  found  only  on  the 
battle-field — deliverance  of  the  country!" 

"  The  lady  is  right!"  exclaimed  the  tailor's  three  assistants, 
who  had  hitherto  looked  up  but  stealthily  from  their  work, 
but  now  cast  it  aside  with  impetuosity.  "Yes,  the  lady  is 
right !  It  is  a  shame  for  honest  men  to  sit  here  in  this  room 
and  ply  the  needle,  while  our  friends  and  brethren  are  draw- 
ing the  sword  and  marching  out  to  the  holy  war  of  liberation. 
We  must  also  participate  in  the  great  struggle!" 

"  Oh,  yes,"  cried  the  tailor,  in  grim  despair,  "now  my  last 
workmen  are  coaxed  away  from  me!  You  have  taken  the 
money  I  offered  you  when  you  entered  my  service,  and  as  hon- 
est men  you  must  keep  your  word.  Kesume  your  work !  You 
know  well  that  we  are  very  busy." 

The  men  commenced  their  work  again  with  morose  faces, 
whispering  to  each  other :  "  As  soon  as  the  week  has  expired, 
we  shall  leave  the  shop  and  enlist." 

"Well,  madame,  what  do  you  wish?"  exclaimed  the  tailor, 
furiously.  "You  have  come  to  give  me  a  job,  and  at  the 
same  time  you  disparage  my  business,  and  seduce  my  workmen 
to  leave  me.  I  shall  soon  have  to  close  my  shop." 

"  But  you  will  not  do  so,  dear  M.  Martin,  before  having  made 
a  uniform  for  this  young  man,"  said  Madame  von  Liitzow,  in  an 
entreating  tone  and  with  a  sweet  smile.  "  I  have  certainly  not 
come  to  disparage  your  honorable  business,  for  what  should 
we  do  without  the  skilful  tailor,  who  makes  the  uniforms  of  our 
soldiers  and  fits  them  out,  as  it  were,  for  the  service  of  their 


270  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

country?  Oh,  I  am  sure  that  you  have  worked  at  them  with 
grand  reflections,  since  this  labor  is  more  agreeable  to  you 
than  if  you  had  to  make  the  most  gorgeous  suit  for  a  chamber- 
lain, and  it  gladdens  you  to  think:  'I  am  likewise  working 
hard  for  the  fatherland.  I  am  in  my  own  way  a  soldier  of  the 
country;  for  I  devote  to  it  my  skill  and  labor.'  " 

"That  is  true,"  said  M.  Martin,  in  confusion,  "and  that 
you  may  not  believe  me  to  be  a  worse  man  than  I  really  am, 
I  must  tell  you  that  I  do  not  take  pay  for  these  jobs,  but  that 
I  have  offered  to  make  twelve  uniforms  for  our  soldiers  free  of 
charge.  I  have  nothing  else  to  offer;  hence,  I  give  all  I  can!" 

"And  there  is  no  nobler  gift!"  exclaimed  Madame  von 
Liiztow.  "  You  are  a  good  man ;  pray  give  me  your  hand  and 
let  me  thank  you."  She  offered  her  hand  to  the  tailor,  and 
he  put  his  broad,  cold  hand  timidly  into  it. 

"Oh,  now  I  fear  nothing,"  said  Madame  von  Liitzow,  joy- 
fully ;  "  as  you  are  so  good  a  patriot,  you  will  fulfil  our  prayer, 
and  make  a  uniform  for  this  young  man  for  next  Sunday." 

"But  I  have  told  you  already  that  I  cannot,"  replied  M. 
Martin,  almost  tearfully — "I  cannot  finish  it." 

"And  I  reply:  Try,  sir!  I  am  sure  you  will  finish  it. 
For,  take  into  consideration,  dear  M.  Martin,  that  your  own 
reputation  is  at  stake,  and  that  all  the  brave  volunteers  would 
execrate  your  name  if  it  should  be  your  fault  that  their  favor- 
ite and  celebrated  bard  could  not  attend  the  Sunday's  cere- 
mony." 

"  How  so?     What  bard  do  you  allude  to,  madame?" 

"  I  allude  to  the  great  poet  who  stands  before  you — Theo- 
dore Korner." 

"Ah,  this  is  Theodore  Korner!"  exclaimed  the  tailor. 
"The  poet  who  wrote  'Toni,'  the  splendid  comedy  that  I  saw 
last  winter  at  our  theatre?" 

"The  same,  my  dear  sir,"  said  Madame  von  Liitzow,  while 
Korner  nodded  to  the  tailor  with  a  pleasant  smile.  "  And  he 
has  written  many  other  beautiful  plays,  and  magnificent  songs 
to  boot.  This  is  the  reason  why,  though  he  is  only  twenty- 
one  years  old,  he  is  famous  throughout  Germany,  and  at 
Vienna  occupied  a  brilliant  position.  He  is  affianced  to  a 
dear,  sweet  young  woman,  whom  he  loves  with  all  his  heart, 
and  to  whom  he  was  to  be  married  within  a  month ;  but  sud- 
denly the  battle-cry  of  freedom  resounded  throughout  Ger- 
many, the  King  of  Prussia  called  upon  the  able-bodied  young 
men  to  volunteer  and  avenge  the  disgrace  of  Germany,  and 


THE  HEROIC  TAILOR.  271 

see  what  love  of  country  can  accomplish !  The  young  man 
casts  aside  every  thing — he  gives  up  all,  his  fame,  his  be- 
trothed, his  position,  and  hastens  with  enthusiasm  to  offer  his 
arm  and  his  services — to  exchange  his  poetical  fame  and  his 
earthly  happiness  for  victory  or  an  honorable  death  on  the 
battle-field." 

"Oh,  that  is  really  glorious,"  cried  the  men,  striking  with 
their  clinched  right  hands  their  knee,  as  though  it  were  a 
recruiting-drum. 

"Yes,  it  is  so,"  said  M.  Martin,  thoughtfully,  to  himself. 

"Madame,"  whispered  the  poet,  smiling,  "you  make  me 
blush  by  your  too  kind  praise." 

"  Is  it  my  fault  that  a  plain  statement  of  the  facts  in  the 
case  is  such  praise  for  you?"  asked  Madame  von  Liitzow. 
"  For  I  have  told  you  the  truth,  M.  Martin,  and  all  happened 
precisely  as  I  have  stated  it.  He  has  given  up  all  to  enlist. 
Vainly  do  his  parents  and  his  loved  one  weep  for  him.  He 
hears  nothing — sees  nothing — for  his  country  calls  him,  and 
he  obeys.  He  does  not  desire  happiness  before  his  country  is 
free,  and  sweeter  than  the  most  blissful  life  seems  to  him  a 
glorious  death  for  the  fatherland.  So  he  has  come ;  the  volun- 
teers greeted  him  with  shouts  of  exultation,  and  they  believe 
now  that  Providence  will  cause  their  arms  and  their  bravery 
to  be  successful,  since  an  inspired  bard  will  take  the  field  with 
them,  and  endow  them  with  redoubled  ardor  by  his  songs. 
But,  before  taking  the  field,  they  wish  to  implore  God's  bless- 
ing at  the  altar,  and  on  Sunday  next  all  those  who  are  already 
uniformed  and  equipped  are  to  take  the  oath  of  war  and  be 
consecrated.  Theodore  Korner  has  written  for  the  occasion  a 
pious  hymn,  which  all  the  volunteers  will  sing,  and  now  how 
can  you  be  so  cruel  as  to  prevent  him  from  singing  his  own 
hymn  with  them?" 

"  I?"  cried  the  tailor,  in  dismay. 

"  Yes,  you !  For,  if  you  do  not  accommodate  him,  he  can- 
not be  present." 

M.  Martin  heaved  a  profound  sigh,  and  cast  a  glance  of 
despair  around  his  shop.  "  There  are  still  three  hussar-jackets 
to  be  finished,"  he  murmured.  "If  it  were  but  a  hussar- 
uniform  that  the  gentleman  asks  for !  But  he  does  not  wish 
to  join  the  hussars?" 

"  No,  my  friend.  I  enlist  in  the  Legion  of  Vengeance,  and 
become  one  of  Major  von  Liitzow 's  volunteer  riflemen.  It 
will,  therefore,  be  less  troublesome  to  suit  me." 


2*3  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  But  that  dress  is  not  near  as  showy  as  the  other,"  said  the 
tailor,  morosely.  "  An  entirely  black  uniform  with  red  trim- 
mings on  the  sleeves  looks  sad,  and — cruel." 

"  And  that  is  as  it  ought  to  be,  my  dear  sir.  The  black 
color  signifies  our  grief,  the  red  signifies  blood." 

And  suddenly  he  commenced  to  sing: 

*  Noch  trauern  wir  im  schwarzen  Racherkleide 

Um  den  gestorbnen  Muth, 
Doch  fragt  man  Euch,  was  dieses  Roth  bedeute; 
Das  deutet  Frankenblut ! 

"  Mit  Qott! — Einst  geht  hoch  iiber  Feindesleichen 

Der  Stern  des  Friedens  auf  ; 
Dann  pflanzen  wir  ein  weisses  Siegeszeichen 
Am  freien  Rheinstrom  auf."  * 

"  Then  we  shall  raise  a  white  symbol  of  our  victory  on  the 
banks  of  the  free  Rhine!"  echoed  the  volunteers,  and  the 
tailor  and  his  assistants. 

"  M.  Martin !"  cried  Madame  von  Liitzow,  laughing,  "  you 
have  forgotten  yourself;  you  have  joined  in  the  chorus!" 

"Yes,  it  is  true,"  he  said,  "I  have  sung  these  few  words 
with  them ;  they  make  my  heart  swell,  and — I  do  not  know 
what  has  happened  to  me — it  seems  to  me  the  song  and  all 
you  have  said  make  another  man  of  me,  and — ' 

"You  will  make  the  uniform  for  Theodore  Korner?"  asked 
Madame  von  Liitzow,  smiling. 

M.  Martin  was  silent,  and  quickly  raised  his  head  and 
looked  at  his  assistants,  who  were  gazing  at  him  inquiringly. 

"  You  have  made  up  your  minds,  then?"  he  asked;  "when 
the  week  is  up,  and  your  jobs  are  finished,  you  intend  to  leave 
me,  and  volunteer?" 

"Yes,  we  have  come  to  that  determination,"  replied  the 
three,  unanimously,  "  and  nothing  shall  prevent  us  from  carry- 
ing it  out." 

"Well,  then,  I  must  close  my  shop,  and  discontinue  the 
tailoring  business." 

"But  what  do  you  intend  to  do,  then,  sir?"  asked  one  of 
the  journeymen,  in  surprise. 

"I  intend  to  enlist!"  replied  M.  Martin.     "This  beautiful 

*  By  this  black  uniform  we  ever  mourn 

The  public  spirit  dead  ! 
And  wny  is  then  this  crimson  facing  worn? — 
With  Frenchmen's  blood  it's  red. 

When  high  above  vast  heaps  of  slaughtered  foes. 

The  star  of  peace  shall  shine, 
The  banner  wnite,  which  victory  bestows, 

Raise  by  our  own  free  Rhine. 


THE  HEROIC  TAILOR.  273 

lady  and  the  song  have  enchanted  me.  Hurrah !  I  also  will 
enlist!" 

"But  my  uniform?"  asked  Korner. 

"  Oh,  you  need  not  be  concerned,"  exclaimed  the  tailor,  in 
a  proud  tone ;  "  it  shall  be  made !  I  will  work  all  night,  and 
not  lay  aside  my  needle  before  it  is  done.  Will  you  help  me, 
journeymen?" 

"  Yes,  sir,  we  will!" 

"  And  you,  too,  volunteers?  It  is  true,  you  are  only  ladies' 
tailors,  but  you  know  at  least  how  to  line  and  pad  a  coat. 
Will  you  take  the  job?" 

"Yes,  M.  Martin,  we  will  joyously  do  so,"  cried  Leonora 
and  Caroline. 

"  Well,  then,  we  can  finish  two  uniforms  by  Sunday — one 
for  the  poet,  the  other  for  myself!" 

"My  dear  sir,  I  thank  you  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart," 
said  Madame  von  Liitzow ;  and  then,  turning  her  radiant  face 
to  Korner,  she  asked,  "Are  you  now  satisfied?" 

"Ah,  I  knew  well  that  no  one  could  resist  you,  and  that 
you  are  our  good  angel,"  whispered  the  poet,  pressing  the 
hand  of  the  lovely  lady  to  his  lips. 

"But  listen,  M.  Korner,"  said  the  tailor;  "if  I  am  to  work 
for  you  so  industriously,  I  must  impose  a  condition,  and  you 
must  promise  to  fulfil  it." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  It  is  that  you  shall  not  pay  me  for  my  labor." 

"  But,  sir,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to — 

Madame  von  Liitzow  laid  her  hand  softly  on  his  shoulder. 
"I  am  sure  you  do  not  wish  to  offend  this  excellent  man?" 
she  whispered. 

"  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  take  pay  for  a  favor  which  I  do 
to  one  of  my  future  comrades,"  said  M.  Martin.  "I  suppose 
that  is  what  you  wanted  to  say,  and  you  are  right.  But  if 
you  insist  on  indemnifying  me,  there  is  another  way  for  you 
to  do  so." 

"Pray  tell  me." 

"You  sang  two  verses,  which  sounded  so  bold  and  fresh 
that  they  touched  my  heart.  Was  that  the  whole  song,  or  are 
there  any  more  verses?" 

"No,  sir,  they  are  the  two  last;  three  others  precede  them." 

"Well,  comrade,"  said  M.  Martin,  gayly,  "if  you  insist  on 
my  doing  my  last  tailoring  job  for  you,  then  sing  me  the  other 
three." 


274  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Korner  glanced  inquiringly  at  Madame  Liitzow.  "I  do 
not  know,"  he  said,  hesitatingly,  "  if  madame  will  permit  it?" 

Madame  von  Liitzow  smiled.  "  I  not  only  permit,  but 
pray  you  to  sing,"  she  said.  "Give  us  the  whole  song,  and 
let  us  all  join  in  the  refrain.  Come,  brave  soldiers  of  the 
future !  cast  aside  your  work,  form  in  line,  and  sing  with  us 
the  song  of  the  Black  Eiflemen!" 

The  three  journeymen  jumped  up,  and  posted  themselves 
beside  M.  Martin.  The  lady  again  withdrew  to  the  door. 
On  both  sides  stood  the  two  young  volunteers,  with  their 
blooming  faces,  and  between  these  two  groups  stood  the  tall 
and  noble  form  of  the  young  poet,  whose  fine  face  beamed 
with  courage  and  energy,  and  on  whose  brow  genius  had 
pressed  the  kiss  of  inspiration. 

"Now,  listen  attentively!"  said  Theodore  Korner,  smiling. 
"  My  song  is  easy  to  sing,  for  who  is  ignorant  of  the  song  of 
the  Ehenish  wine?  Let  us  sing  it  to  that  melody!" 

And  through  the  tailor's  shop,  hitherto  so  peaceful  and 
silent,  resounded  the  song  of  the  Black  Eiflemen : 

"  In's  Feld,  in's  Feld,  die  Rachegeister  mahnen, 

Auf,  deutsches  Volk,  zum  Krieg! 
In's  Feld,  in's  Feld !  Hoch  flattern  unsere  Fahnen, 
Sie  f  tihren  uns  zum  Sieg ! 

"  Klein  ist  die  Schaar,  doch  gross  ist  das  Vertrauen 

Auf  den  gerechten  Gott ! 
"Wo  seine  Engel  ihre  Veste  bauen, 
Sind  H6Uenktinste  Spott. 

"  Gebt  kein  Pardon !   Konnt  Ihr  das  Schwert  nicht  heben, 

So  wiirgt  sie  ohne  Scheu ! 

Und  hoch  verkauft  den  letzten  Tropfen  Leben, 
Der  Tod  macht  Alle  f  rei  I  "  * 

*To  the  field!  the  spirits  of  vengeance  cry; 

Rise,  and  your  country  save ! 
Uplift  your  eagle  banners  to  the  sky — 
For  victory  they  wave  I 

In  number  small,  but  great  our  confidence 

In  a  just  God's  decree; 
When  His  own  angels  build  our  sure  defence, 

Vain  is  heirs  strategy. 

No  quarter  give,  but  strike  the  fatal  blow, 

Dear  let  your  life-blood  be; 
Ask  not  for  mercy,  and  to  none  bestow, 

For  death  makes  all  men  free. 

This  whole  scene  is  based  on  facts,  for  which  I  am  indebted  to  personal  communi- 
cations from  the  Countess  Ahlefeldt.  Theodore  Korner  fell  in  the  first  year  of  the 
war  of  liberation,  before  the  decisive  battle  of  Leipsio,  on  the  26th  of  August,  1813,  in 
a  skirmish  which  the  corps  of  Major  von  Liitzow  had  with  the  French  near  Gade- 
busch.  Only  an  hour  prior  to  his  death,  while  lying  in  ambush,  he  wrote  his  im- 
mortal "Song  of  the  Sword"  in  his  note-book.  The  statement  of  Mr.  Alison,  the 
historian,  that  he  was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Dresden,  is  erroneous. 

Leonora  Prohaska  fell  in  an  engagement  on  the  Gorde,  the  16th  of  September, 
1813.  A  bullet  pierced  her  breast.  When  she  felt  that  she  was  dying,  she  revealed 


THE  GENERAL-IN-CHIEF  OF  THE  SILESIAN  ARMY.    275 
CHAPTEK    XXVIII. 

THE   GENERAL-IN-CHIEF   OF   THE   SILESIAN   ARMY. 

GENERAL  BLUCHER  was  more  morose  and  dejected  than  he 
had  been  for  a  long  time.  From  the  day  he  heard  of  the 
king's  arrival  at  Breslau,  and  immediately  left  his  farm  of 
Kunzendorf  to  repair  to  that  city,  a  perpetual  sunshine  lit  up 
his  face,  and  a  new  spring  bloomed  in  his  heart.  But  now 
the  old  clouds  of  Kunzendorf  were  again  lowering  on  his 
brow,  and  a  frost  seemed  to  have  blighted  all  the  blossoms  of 
his  hope. 

He  sat  on  the  sofa,  closely  wrapped  in  his  dressing-gown, 
drumming  with  his  hand  a  quickstep  on  the  table  in  front  of 
him,  while  he  was  blowing  clouds  of  smoke  from  his  long  pipe. 
Very  gloomy  thoughts  appeared  to  fill  Blucher's  soul,  for  his 
bushy  eyebrows  contracted,  the  quickstep  was  more  rapid, 
and  the  smoke  arose  in  denser  masses.  In  the  violence  of  his 
inward  trouble,  he  grimly  shook  his  head  without  thinking  of 
the  fragile  friend  in  his  mouth.  Its  delicate  form  struck 
against  the  corner  of  the  table  and  broke  into  pieces. 

"So,"  muttered  Blucher  to  himself,  "that was  just  wanting 
to  my  afflictions.  It  is  the  second  pipe  broken  to-day.  Well, 
there  will  be  a  day  when  Bonaparte  shall  pay  me  these  pipes 
that  he  has  already  cost  me.  That  day  must  come,  or  there 
is  no  justice  in  Heaven.  Christian!  0  Christian!" 

The  door  opened.  Christian  Hennemann  appeared  on  the 
threshold,  awaiting  the  orders  of  the  general. 

"Another  wounded  pipe,  Christian,"  said  Blucher,  point- 
ing at  the  pieces  on  the  floor.  "  Pick  them  up,  and  see  if 
there  is  not  a  short  pipe  among  them." 

"No,  your  excellency,"  said  Christian,  approaching  and 
carefully  picking  up  the  pieces,  "  that  is  no  wounded  pipe,  but 
a  dead  one.  Shall  I  fetch  another  to  your  excellency?" 

He  was  about  to  turn  away,  but  Blucher  seized  the  lap  of 
his  hussar-jacket.  "Show  me  the  broken  pipe,"  he  said, 
anxiously;  "let  me  see  if  it  really  will  not  do  any  more." 

to  her  comrades  that  she  was  a  woman,  and  that  her  name  was  Leonora  Prohaska. 
and  not  Charles  Renz. 

Caroline  Peters  was  more  fortunate.  She  participated  in  the  campaigns  of  1813 
and  1«14,  was  decorated  with  the  order  of  the  Iron  Cross  on  account  of  her  bravery, 
and  honorably  discharged  at  the  end  of  the  war.  She  was  then  married  to  the  cap- 
tain of  an  English  vessel  whom  she  accompanied  on  his  travels,  and  with  whom  sh« 
visited  her  relatives  at  Stettin  in  1844.— L.  M. 


276  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

"Well,  look  at  it,  your  excellency,"  said  the  pipe-master,  in 
a  dignified  tone,  holding  up  the  bowl  with  a  very  small  part 
of  the  tube.  "  It  is  impossible  for  you  to  use  it  again.  If 
I  should  fill  the  bowl  with  tobacco  and  light  it,  your  excellency, 
it  would  assuredly  burn  your  nose." 

"That  is  true,"  said  Blucher,  mournfully;  "I  believe  you 
are  right.  I  might  burn  my  nose,  and  that  would  be 
altogether  unnecessary  now.  I  burn  it  here  at  Breslau  every 
day." 

"  How  did  you  do  it?"  asked  Christian,  in  dismay.  "  Your 
excellency  has  not  yet  smoked  short  pipes." 

"Because  I  am  myself  like  a  short  pipe,"  cried  Blucher, 
with  a  grim  smile,  "  or  because  the  miserable,  sneaking  ver- 
min at  court — well,  what  does  it  concern  you?  Why  do  you 
stand  and  stare  at  me?  Go,  Christian,  and  fetch  me  a  new 
pipe." 

"What,  a  new  pipe!"  asked  a  voice  by  his  side.  "Why, 
Blucher,  you  are  still  in  your  dressing-gown!" 

It  was  his  wife  who  had  just  entered  the  room  by  the  side- 
door  and  approached  her  husband  without  being  noticed.  She 
was  in  full  toilet,  her  head  adorned  with  plumes,  her  delicate 
form  wrapped  in  a  heavy  dark  satin  dress,  trimmed  with  costly 
silver  lace.  Her  neck  and  ears  were  ornamented  with  jewelry 
in  which  large  diamonds  shone;  in  her  hand,  radiant  with 
valuable  rings,  she  held  a  huge  fan,  inlaid  with  pearls  and 
precious  stones. 

"Yes,  Amelia,  I  am  still  in  my  dressing-gown,"  said 
Blucher,  gloomily  gazing  at  his  wife.  "  Why,  you  are  splen- 
didly dressed  to-day!  What  is  it  for? — and  whither  do  you 
design  to  go?" 

"Whither!"  exclaimed  the  lady,  in  surprise.  "But,  hus- 
band, do  you  forget,  then,  the  festival  to  take  place  to-night?" 

"  Well,  what  is  it?"  asked  Blucher,  slowly  drawing  his  long 
white  mustache  through  his  fingers. 

"  Blucher,  to-night  the  great  ball  takes  place  which  the  city 
of  Breslau  gives  at  the  city  hall  in  honor  of  the  Emperor  of 
Eussia,  when  both  their  majesties  will  appear. " 

"Well,  what  does  that  concern  me?" 

"  It  concerns  you  a  great  deal,  for  you  have  solemnly  prom- 
ised the  burgomaster,  who  came  personally  to  invite  us,  that 
you  would  attend  the  ball  to-night." 

"And  I  shall  not  go  to  it  after  all,  Amelia,"  cried  Blucher, 
striking  with  his  hand  on  the  table.  "  No,  Amelia!  I  am  no 


THE  GENEKAL-IN-CHTEF  OF  THE  SILESlAN  ARMY.    277 

(Uiucing-bear  to  turn  around  at  a  ball,  and  to  be  led  by  the 
nose." 

"  But,  Blucher.  what  has  happened  to  you?"  asked  his  wife, 
wonderingly.  "You  were  as  merry  and  high-spirited  as  a 
young  god  of  spring ;  the  violets  laughed  when  they  saw  you 
pass  by,  and  the  snow-drops  rang  their  tiny  bells  in  your 
honor,  and  now  suddenly  it  is  winter  again !  Pray,  tell  me, 
what  has  happened  to  you?" 

"  Nothing  at  all  has  happened  to  me — that  is  just  the  mis- 
fortune," cried  Blucher.  "It  is  more  than  a  month  now 
since  I  have  been  sitting  here  at  Breslau,  and  nothing  has 
happened.  I  am  still  what  I  always  was — an  old  pensioned 
general,  who  has  no  command,  and  nothing  to  do  but  to  retire 
to  Kunzendorf  and  plant  cabbage-heads,  while  others  in  the 
field  are  cutting  off  French  heads.  And  it  will  be  best  for 
me  to  go  back  to  Kunzendorf.  I  have  nothing  to  do  here ; 
no  one  cares  for  an  old  fellow  like  me.  I  have  hoped  on  from 
day  to  day,  but  all  my  hopes  are  gone  now.  Amelia,  take  off 
your  tinsel,  and  pack  up  our  traps.  The  best  thing  we  can  do 
will  be  to  start  this  very  evening  and  return  to  our  miserable, 
accursed  village!" 

"Dear  me!  what  a  humor  you  are  in!"  exclaimed  his  wife. 
"  Every  thing  will  be  right  in  the  end,  my  husband ;  you  must 
not  despair;  things  are  only  taking  their  course  a  little  more 
deliberately  than  my  firebrand  wishes.  But  finally  all  will  be 
precisely  as  you  want  it,  for  without  Blucher  they  are  unable 
to  accomplish  any  thing,  and  will,  therefore,  at  last  resort  to 
him." 

"And  I  tell  you  they  will  try  to  get  along  without  me," 
cried  Blucher;  "  I  shall  be  a  disgraced  man,  at  whom  the  very 
chickens  will  laugh,  if  he  has  to  sneak  back  to  Kunzendorf 
instead  of  taking  the  field.  Pack  up,  Amelia,  we  shall  leave 
this  day!" 

"But  that  is  impossible,  Blucher!  It  would  look  like  a 
cowardly  flight,  and  your  enemies  would  rejoice  over  it.  No, 
you  must  go  to  the  ball  to-night;  you — " 

"General  Scharnhorst!"  announced  a  footman  at  this  mo- 
ment, and  there  appeared  in  the  open  door  the  general, 
dressed  in  his  gala-uniform,  and  his  breast  decked  with  orders. 

"I  am  glad  you  have  come,  general,"  exclaimed  Amelia, 
hastening  to  him,  and  shaking  hands  with  her  friend.  "  Look 
at  that  stubborn  old  man,  who  does  not  wish  to  go  to  the  ball! 
Say  yourself,  general,  must  he  not  go?" 


278  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Certainly  he  must,"  said  Scharnhorst,  smiling,  "and  I 
come  to  beg  of  you  a  seat  in  your  carriage,  and  to  let  me  have 
the  honor  of  appearing  in  the  suite  of  General  and  Madame 
von  Blucher.  You  had,  therefore,  better  dress  at  once,  my 
dear  general.  It  is  high  time.  Even  their  majesties  have 
already  set  out." 

Blucher  gently  shook  his  head,  and  slowly  raised  his  eyes 
toward  Scharnhorst,  who  stood  in  front  of  him.  "  Scharn- 
horst," he  said,  "every  thing  turns  out  wrong,  and  I  wish 
myself  dead  rather  than  see  such  a  state  of  affairs. " 

"What  do  you  mean,  general?"  inquired  Scharnhorst. 
"What  has  happened?" 

Blucher  cast  a  piercing  glance  on  him,  and  seemed  to  read 
in  the  depths  of  his  soul.  "  Is  the  matter  settled?"  he  asked. 
"  Pray,  my  friend,  tell  me  the  truth  without  circumlocution. 
It  is  better  for  me  to  know  it  at  once  than  allow  this  incerti- 
tude longer  to  gnaw  at  my  heart.  Scharnhorst,  I  implore 
you,  tell  me  the  truth!  Has  the  commander  of  the  Silesian 
army  been  appointed?" 

"No,  general,"  said  Scharnhorst,  gravely. 

"And  you  do  not  know  whom  they  will  appoint?  The 
truth,  my  friend!" 

"Well,  then,  the  truth  is,  that  I  do  not  know  it,  and  that 
their  majesties  themselves  do  not  know  it,  although  every 
patriot  thinks  they  ought  not  to  doubt  which  of  the  three 
gentlemen  who  stand  on  the  list  should  be  appointed,  for 
every  heart  echoes,  'General  Blucher  is  the  man  whom  we 
need,  and  who  will  lead  us  to  victory. '  The  emperor  and  the 
king  are  still  vacillating;  precious  time  is  lost — Napoleon  is 
organizing  new  armies,  and  strengthening  himself  on  all  sides, 
while  they  are  hesitating." 

"Three,  then,  stand  on  the  list,"  said  Blucher.  "I  have 
two  competitors.  Who  are  they,  general?" 

"One  is  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth." 

Blucher  started,  and  his  eyes  flashed  with  anger.  "  What !" 
he  cried.  "That  childish  old  man  to  command  an  army! 
He  who  is  constantly  singing  hymns  of  praise  to  Napoleon  and 
his  French — he  who,  only  the  other  day,  showed  again  that 
he  deemed  a  frown  of  Bonaparte  more  terrible  than  the  peril 
of  a  German  patriot!  He  command  an  army  to  vanquish 
Napoleon!  I  suppose  you  know  what  he  has  done?  He  be- 
trayed to  the  French  ambassador,  Count  St.  Marsan,  who  fol- 
lowed our  king  to  Breslau  in  order  to  watch  him,  that  Minister 


THE  GENERAL-IN-CHIEF  OF  THE  SILESIAN  ARMY.    279 

von  Stein,  our  noblest  friend,  had  secretly  come  for  the  pur- 
pose of  negotiating  with  the  king  in  the  name  of  the  Emperor 
of  Kussia ;  that  he  was  living  in  a  garret,  and  that  conferences 
of  the  enemies  of  Napoleon  were  held  there  every  night."  * 

"  Yes,  that  is  true,"  said  Scharuhorst,  "  Field-Marshal  Kalk- 
reuth did  so,  and  it  is  no  fault  of  his  that  Baron  von  Stein, 
with  his  friends,  one  of  whom  I  happen  to  be,  was  not  secretly 
seized  and  carried  off  by  the  French.  Fortunately,  dear 
Count  St.  Marsan  did  not  believe  the  field-marshal  who  be- 
trayed his  German  countryman.  The  French  ambassador 
allowed  himself  to  be  deceived  by  the  stillness  that  reigned  in 
the  garret,  which,  according  to  the  statement  Kalkreuth  made 
to  him,  was  inhabited  by  dangerous  Minister  von  Stein."  f 

"  Well,  and  this  man,  the  head  of  the  French  party,  they 
wish  to  appoint  general-in-chief  of  the  Silesian  army,"  said 
Blucher,  mournfully.  "Amelia,  pack  up  our  traps;  let  us 
return  to  Kunzendorf. " 

"  But  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth  has  not  yet  been  appointed," 
Said  Scharnhorst,  smiling;  "I  believe  his  two  competitors 
have  as  good — nay,  better  prospects  than  he  has." 

"It  is  true,  I  forgot  the  second  competitor,"  grumbled 
Blucher.  "Who  is  it:" 

"  It  is  Lieutenant-General  Count  Tauentzien,  in  whom  the 
Emperor  Alexander  takes  a  great  deal  of  interest." 

"Of  course,"  said  Blucher,  sarcastically,  "he  is  a  count, 
and  he  has  such  a  polish,  and  courtly  manners;  he  knows  how 
to  flatter  the  sovereigns,  and  tell  them  only  what  is  agreeable. 
But  now,  you  yourself  must  admit,  Scharnhorst,  that  it  is 
best  for  me  to  set  out  immediately  for  Kunzendorf,  and  that  I 
have  no  prospects — none  whatever!  The  two  sovereigns,  the 
king  and  emperor,  alone  will  make  the  appointment,  will  they 
not?" 

"  Of  course,  they  alone!" 

"  Well,  each  of  them  has  a  candidate  of  his  own.  The  em- 
peror is  in  favor  of  Count  Tauentzien,  and  the  king  is  for 
Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth.  Who,  then,  is  to  think  of  and 
speak  for  me?" 

"Your  glory  will  speak  for  you,  general,"  said  Scharnhorst, 
feelingly ;  "  the  love  which  every  soldier  feels  for  you  will 
speak,  and  you  will  speak  for  yourself  by  your  noble  appear- 
ance— your  self-reliant  bearing,  your  energy  and  strength, 

*  Pertz's  "  Life  of  Stein,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  310. 
tBeitzke.vol.  i.,p.a70. 


280  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

which  do  not  shrink  from  truth.  Come,  let  us  get  ready  for 
the  ball,  and,  my  friend,  do  not  impose  any  restraint  upon 
yourself  there ;  give  the  reins  to  your  discontent ;  tell  every 
one  frankly  and  bluntly  that  you  are  dissatisfied — that  you 
ardently  desire  to  be  appointed  general-in-chief,  and  that  you 
would  consider  it  a  great  misfortune  if  another  man  should  be 
preferred  to  you. " 

"  But,  dear  general,"  exclaimed  Madame  von  Blucher,  in 
dismay,  "  how  can  you  give  Blucher  such  advice?  You  know 
how  hot-headed  and  rash  he  is !  He  will  rave  about  so,  that 
the  king  and  the  emperor  themselves  will  hear  him." 

"Well,"  said  Scharnhorst,  smiling,  "it  is  sometimes  very 
well  that  there  should  be  a  man  courageous  enough  to  tell  the 
kings  and  emperors  the  truth,  and  prove  to  them  that 
mankind  do  not  always  fawn  upon  them  with  polite  sub- 
missiveness. " 

"Scharnhorst  is  right,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  suddenly 
straightening  himself;  "yes,  I  will  go  to  the  ball,  and  tell 
them  there  at  least  what  sort  of  men  those  are  whom  they 
wish  to  appoint,  and  what  we  may  expect  from  them.  They 
shall  not  afterward  excuse  themselves  by  saying  that  they  were 
not  forewarned,  and  that  no  one  had  called  their  attention  to 
Blucher.  I  will  do  it  myself — yes,  thunder  and  lightning! 
I  will  remind  them  of  Blucher,  and  they  shall  hear  and  under- 
stand me." 

"Well,"  cried  Madame  von  Blucher,  "I  beg  permission  to 
stay  at  home,  for  Blucher  will  have  a  scene,  at  which  I  do  not 
wish  to  be  present." 

"Oh,  no,  there  will  be  no  scene  whatever,"  said  Blucher. 
"  I  shall  make  my  obeisance  to  their  majesties  and  then  step 
aside,  but  of  course  I  am  not  to  keep  altogether  still,  and — 
well,  you  know  my  motto,  'At  them!'*  Well,  then,  'at 
them!'  Let  us  go  to  the  ball.  You  must  accompany  me, 
Amelia,  there  is  no  help  for  it;  for  it  may  be  necessary  for 
you  to  bring  me  back  to  reason.  You  know  well  that  no  one 
but  you  can  do  that." 

"  I  am  sure,  madame,  you  will  not  abandon  us  at  this  criti- 
cal hour?"  begged  Scharnhorst.  "You  do  not  desire  his 
guardian  angel  to  leave  him?" 

"Yes,  I  will  go  with  you,"  she  said,  smiling,  "if  for  no 
other  purpose  than  to  restrain  my  fiery  thunderer  in  proper 
time. "  i 

*"  Immer  draufl " 


THE  GENERAL-IN-CHIEF  OF  THE  SILESIAN  ARMY.   281 

"Well,  it  may  not  be  of  any  avail,"  said  Blucher,  dryly. 
"  By  Heaven!  I  must  unbosom  myself  a  little  to-day — I  must 
tell  them  the  truth,  which  no  one  here  at  Breslau  likes  to 
hear. — Well,  Amelia,  do  me  the  favor  to  turn  toward  the 
window.  I  wish  to  take  off  my  dressing-gown  and  put  on  my 
uniform  coat — then  I  am  dressed;  only  my  coat  is  wanting; 
it  lies  on  the  chair  yonder;  wait  until  I  have  put  it  on,  and 
then  we  shall  ride  to  the  ball.  I  will  call  John  to  assist  me." 

"Do  not  call  any  one,"  said  Scharnhorst,  "but  permit  me 
to  assist  you.  Here  is  the  coat." 

"And  here  I  am,"  cried  Blucher,  throwing  off  the  dressing- 
gown  and  quickly  plunging  into  the  coat  which  Scharnhorst 
handed  him. 

"But  now  listen,  general,"  said  Scharnhorst,  handing 
Blucher  the  sword  and  belt.  "  As  you  are  so  very  amiable 
and  kind,  I  will  tell  you  good  news.  Gneisenau  will  be  here 
to-morrow." 

"What?  Is  he  no  longer  in  England?"  asked  Blucher, 
joyously. 

"  No,  he  is  in  Germany,  and,  as  he  wrote  to  me,  will  arrive 
to-morrow  at  the  latest.  He  landed  nearly  a  week  ago  from  a 
Swedish  ship  at  Colberg,  where  he  was  received  with  enthusi- 
asm. The  whole  city  was  illuminated  on  the  evening  of  his 
arrival,  and  the  citizens  marched  in  procession  to  his  lodg- 
ings.* You  see  the  old  hatred  and  the  old  love  are  still  alive 
in  the  people ;  they  have  not  forgotten  their  oppressors,  nor 
their  heroes  either." 

"Then  Gneisenau  has  come,  too,"  exclaimed  Blucher;  "he 
is  the  petrel  that  heralds  the  storm.  There  will  be  war  now, 
certainly;  and  if  I  am  not  permitted  to  share  in  it,  my  heart 
will  burst  like  an  overcharged  gun.  Gneisenau  come!  all 
men  are  coming,  and  Blucher  is  to  stay  at  home!  Well,  if 
they  do  not  appoint  me  commanding  general,  I  will  enlist  as 
a  private.  For  I  must  participate  in  the  war  that  is  to  put 
an  end  to  Bonaparte's  tyranny ;  and,  if  I  cannot  be  first  dancer, 
I  shall  be  one  of  the  musicians. — Christian,  have  the  carriage 
brought  to  the  door!" 

*  Beitzke,  vol.  i.,  p.  196. 


19 


282  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

. 
CHAPTEE    XXIX. 

THE   BALL  AT  THE   CITY   HALL  OF   BRESLAU. 

THE  large  saloon  of  the  city  hall  of  Breslau  presented  an 
exceedingly  festive  and  brilliant  spectacle.  The  walls  were 
tastefully  decorated  with  festoons  and  flags,  exhibiting  alter- 
nately the  Eussian  and  Prussian  colors;  between  them  were 
the  Prussian  eagle  and  the  double-headed  Eussian  eagle  in 
richly-gilt  medallions,  surrounded  by  resplendent  tapers.  On 
the  ceiling  were  suspended  three  enormous  chandeliers,  each 
adorned  with  fifty  large  wax  candles,  which  shed  a  flood  of 
light  through  the  whole  hall,  and  reflected  themselves  a  hun- 
dred times  in  their  balls  and  pendants  of  rock  crystal.  In 
the  gallery,  fixed  on  the  upper  half  of  one  of  the  walls  of  the 
hall,  and  splendidly  decorated  with  garlands  and  Prussian  and 
Eussian  flags,  sat  a  band  of  fifty  musicians,  who  caused  soul- 
stirring  greetings  to  roll  down  into  the  hall,  where  the  brill- 
iant and  numerous  crowd  of  guests,  whom  the  municipal 
authorities  had  invited,  were  moving  up  and  down ;  the  ladies 
in  the  most  magnificent  toilets,  in  the  gorgeous  splendor  of 
diamonds  and  other  precious  stones,  of  flowers  and  laces;  the 
gentlemen  in  their  gold-embroidered  uniforms,  their  breasts 
ornamented  with  orders;  but  among  them  were  seen  also  the 
dark  figures  of  Liitzow's  riflemen,  the  plain  coats  of  the  citi- 
zens, and  even  some  of  the  peasantry  in  their  becoming  rural 
costumes.  All  classes  were  represented  at  this  great  ball, 
which  the  municipal  authorities  of  Breslau  gave  in  honor  of 
the  Emperor  of  Eussia,  for  these  representatives  of  all  classes 
were  to  offer  to  Alexander  the  homage  of  the  Prussian  people, 
and  to  return  thanks  to  the  noble  ally  of  the  king  for  the 
assistance  that  he  intended  to  lend  to  Prussia. 

The  emperor  and  the  king,  therefore,  were  received  with 
boundless  enthusiasm  when  they  entered  the  hall  arm  in  arm, 
each  decorated  not  with  his  own  orders,  but  with  those  of  his 
ally.  Alexander  had  acknowledged  this  flattering  reception 
with  the  affability  and  the  smiling  grace  peculiar  to  him ; 
Frederick  William,  with  the  gravity  and  calmness  that  never 
left  him.  After  the  first  presentations  and  official  addresses 
were  over,  Alexander  requested  the  presiding  burgomaster  to 
set  aside  the  embarrassing  ceremonial,  and  to  allow  every  one 


THE  BALL  AT  THE  CITY  HALL  OF  BRESLAU.      283 

to  yield  without  restraint  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  festival. 
In  order  to  give  an  example  to  the  assembled  guests,  the  em- 
peror suggested  to  the  managers  that  dancing  might  begin, 
and,  offering  his  arm  to  the  wife  of  the  presiding  burgomaster, 
he  opened  the  ball  with  the  Polonaise.  After  the  dance  he 
moved  about  the  hall  with  the  most  amiable  affability,  always 
endeavoring  by  his  kindness  and  politeness  to  cause  all  to  for- 
get the  gulf  separating  them  from  the  emperor.  The  king 
had,  like  him,  participated  in  the  opening  of  the  ball;  but 
he  retired,  grave,  silent,  and  cold  as  ever,  into  the  adjoining 
apartment  which  was  destined  for  the  private  audience-room  of 
the  two  sovereigns,  and  which  none  were  permitted  to  enter  but 
those  whom  the  footmen  of  the  king  and  the  emperor  expressly 
invited.  As  long  as  Alexander  and  Frederick  William  were 
in  the  large  hall,  they  only  desired  to  be  the  guests  of  their 
kind  hosts,  and  affable  and  unassuming  members  of  the  party ; 
no  sooner,  however,  had  they  crossed  the  threshold  of  their 
audience-room  than  they  were  again  the  king  and  the  em- 
peror, whom  no  one  was  allowed  to  approach  without  being 
requested.  From  this  audience-room  a  door,  veiled  by  heavy 
velvet  curtains,  led  into  another  apartment,  where  a  small 
table,  covered  with  the  choicest  cold  viands,  and  the  most  ex- 
quisite and  rare  wines,  had  been  set  for  the  two  sovereigns, 
and  this  small  apartment  led  to  the  large  supper-room  that 
was  again  connected  by  a  small  room  with  the  vast  saloon. 
One  of  the  long  walls  of  this  supper-room  was  occupied  with 
an  enormous  buffet,  loaded  with  the  most  select  delicacies  in 
colossal  dishes  of  silver  and  porcelain,  and  beside  which  were 
large  crystal  bowls,  filled  with  smoking  punch  or  fragrant 
cardinal.  In  the  remaining  space  was  a  number  of  small  round 
tables  ready  for  supper,  at  which  those  might  take  seats  who 
desired  to  refresh  themselves  after  the  exhausting  pleasures  of 
the  festival. 

Alexander  and  Frederick  William  had  retired  into  the 
audience-room,  and  sent  for  those  persons  whom  they  desired 
to  distinguish  particularly  to-night.  There  were  Majors  von 
Liitzow  and  Petersdorf,  who  had  been  invited  to  the  honor  of 
an  audience  which  had  been  conferred  even  upon  some  of  the 
volunteers,  among  them  upon  Baron  la  Motte  Fouque  and 
Theodore  Korner;  and  Alexander  told  them  with  charming 
enthusiasm  of  his  sympathy  for  the  heroic  Prussian  nation, 
and  of  his  admiration  of  its  glorious  self-denial.  He  stated 
to  Major  von  Liitzow  that,  if  he  did  not  happen  to  be  em- 


284  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

peror,  he  would  not  allow  any  one  to  prevent  him  from  volun- 
teering in  his  Legion  of  Vengeance;  and  to  Theodore  Korner, 
in  proof  of  the  admiration  he  felt  for  his  poems,  he  recited 
the  first  verses  of  his  patriotic  song,  "  Frisch  auf,  mein  Volk, 
die  Flammenzeichen  rauchen." 

Frederick  William  contented  himself  with  addressing  a 
kind  word,  a  brief  salutation,  to  each  of  them,  and  then  again 
moving  toward  the  portiere,  looked  at  the  motley  crowd  in  the 
ball-room.  Suddenly,  while  the  two  sovereigns  were  standing 
side  by  side,  engaged  in  a  familiar  chat,  and  looking  into  the 
hall,  an  unusual  commotion  was  noticed.  All  rushed  toward 
the  entrance  of  the  hall,  through  which  the  two  burgomasters 
had  just  stepped  into  the  outer  reception-room.  Undoubtedly 
some  one  was  expected,  and  moreover  one  whom  all  the  guests 
were  anxious  to  see  and  to  welcome  in  the  most  enthusiastic 
manner. 

The  large  folding-doors  opened,  and  between  the  two  burgo- 
masters appeared  the  slender,  firmly-knit  form  of  General 
Blucher.  Behind  him  was  General  Scharnhorst,  escorting 
Madame  von  Blucher.  Blucher  advanced,  with  a  winning 
smile  on  his  fine,  good-natured  countenance,  greeting  the 
assembled  guests  by  pleasantly  nodding  to  the  right  and  left. 
At  first  his  polite  salutations  were  returned  in  silence,  but 
gradually  there  arose  murmurs  and  whispers — the  eyes  which 
were  fixed  upon  the  hero's  form  grew  more  radiant,  and  soon 
cheers  resounded  through  the  whole  hall — deafening  shouts 
of  "Long  live  Blucher! — Long  live  our  hero,  brave  General 
Blucher!" 

"A  flourish!"  shouted  other  voices  to  the  musicians.  The 
presiding  burgomaster  nodded  smilingly,  and  waved  his  white 
handkerchief.  The  musicians  made  a  loud  flourish  resound, 
and  more  deafening  and  jubilant  became  the  shouts  of  "  Long 
live  Blucher! — Long  live  our  hero!"  Blucher  bowed,  confused 
and  almost  ashamed,  and  with  so  charming  an  expression  of 
surprise  and  joy  that  this  called  forth  a  new  outburst  of 
tumultuous  applause  and  enthusiasm. 

The  two  sovereigns  stood  in  the  open  door  of  the  audience- 
room,  and  witnessed  this  strange  and  unexpected  scene,  Alex- 
ander smiling  and  apparently  well  pleased,  Frederick  William 
grave  and  with  a  slight  shadow  on  his  brow. 

"Ah,  sir,"  said  Alexander,  in  a  low  and  quick  voice,  "it 
seems  to  me  the  guests  intend  to  make  a  little  demonstration 
in  honor  of  your  general,  and  to  give  us  a  gentle  hint  whom 


THE   BALL  AT  THE  CITY  HALL  OF  BRESLAU.       285 

they  would  like  to  have  appointed  general-in-chief  of  the 
Silesian  army." 

"Indeed,  it  seems  so,"  said  Frederick  William,  morosely, 
"but  I  do  not  like  such  demonstrations,  and  they  have  no 
effect  upon  myself." 

"But  let  us  now  greet  the  hero,"  exclaimed  Alexander, 
smiling;  "people  ought  to  see  that  we  share  the  general  sym- 
pathy." He  quickly  stepped  into  the  ballroom;  the  king 
followed  him  slowly  and  hesitatingly. 

"  Welcome,  my  dear  General  Blucher,"  said  Alexander,  offer- 
ing his  hand  to  the  general,  while  the  king  saluted  him  merely 
with  a  nod.  The  hum  and  noise  which  hitherto  filled  the 
hall  like  the  roar  of  the  sea,  immediately  died  away.  Silence 
ensued ;  every  one  stood  still  as  if  riveted  to  his  place ;  all 
eyes  were  turned  in  eager  suspense  and  with  breathless  curios- 
ity toward  the  group  that  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  hall ;  all 
tried  to  catch  a  word,  a  glance,  in  order  to  draw  therefrom 
their  own  conclusions.  And,  amid  this  general  silence,  was 
heard  the  melodious  voice  of  Alexander,  who  said  again, 
"  Welcome,  my  dear  General  Blucher !  I  am  really  glad  to 
greet  you,  and  to  meet  you  again  after  so  long  an  interval. 
I  did  not  know,  indeed,  that  you  were  here  in  Breslau ;  other- 
wise I  would  have  called  upon  you." 

"  That  would  have  been  very  gracious,  and  in  accordance 
with  the  character  of  your  majesty,"  said  Blucher,  loudly  and 
firmly.  "  For  your  majesty  is  known  never  to  forget  those 
who  are  worthy  of  being  remembered.  All  patriots  have 
learned,  with  feelings  of  gratitude  and  enthusiasm,  that  your 
majesty,  directly  after  your  arrival,  called  upon  that  noble 
and  intrepid  German,  Minister  von  Stein,  who  was  living 
solitary,  sick,  and  deserted,  in  his  garret,  and  who,  up  to 
that  time,  only  a  few  faithful  friends  and  a  few  cowardly 
enemies  had  remembered."  * 

These  words,  uttered  in  a  loud  and  powerful  voice,  pro- 
duced various  effects.  The  Emperor  Alexander  smiled  and 
bowed  his  head  quickly  and  repeatedly ;  King  Frederick  Will- 

*  Minister  von  Stein  had  arrived  sick  at  Breslau,  and  lived,  as  stated  above,  in  a 
small  garret,  which  Major  von  Ltttzow  had  surrendered  to  him.  Only  his  intimate 
friends  visited  him  there,  and  this  was  the  reason  why  Count  St.  Marsan.  whom  Field- 
Marshal  Kalkreuth  had  informed  of  Stein's  arrival  at  Breslau,  did  not  believe  in  the 
truth  of  this  information.  Baron  von  Stein,  however,  received  secretly  many  proofs 
of  love  and  sympathy.  The  king  alone  Look  no  notice  of  him,  and  the  members  of 
the  court,  too,  were  prohibited  from  entering  into  any  relations  with  Stein.  There 
was  a  change  for  the  better,  however,  as  soon  as  theEmpeeor  of  Russia  arrived,  anil 
at  once  called  upon  Stein.  Now  all  hastened  to  visit  him,  and  overwhelmed  him  with 
protestations  or  devotion,  which  he  rejected  frequently  with  great  asperity. 


286  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

iam  frowned  slightly,  and  this  authorized  the  gentlemen  of 
his  suite,  who  stood  behind  him,  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth 
and  General  Knesebeck,  to  frown  too,  and  cast  angry  glances 
at  Blucher.  Madame  von  Blucher,  who  had  modestly  kept 
somewhat  in  the  background,  turned  very  pale,  and  leaned 
tremblingly  upon  the  arm  of  General  Scharnhorst,  who  smiled 
and  whispered,  "Blucher  is  grand!  He  is  a  true  fire-king 
among  the  will-o'-the-wisps!"  The  two  burgomasters  and  the 
host  of  courtiers  smiled  when  they  glanced  at  the  emperor, 
and  looked  grave  and  gloomy  when  they  turned  their  eyes  to 
the  clouded  brow  of  the  king.  Blucher,  however,  did  not 
seem  to  notice  the  impression  produced  by  his  words,  and 
looked  around  as  composedly  as  if  he  had  made  a  mere 
courtier's  reply  to  the  emperor's  gracious  salutation. 

"  I  am  happy  to  be  one  of  Stein's  friends,"  said  Alexander, 
"  but  I  do  not  think  it  requires  particular  courage  to  profess 
friendship  for  a  magnanimous  man  whom  all  Germany  reveres 
and  admires." 

"No,  your  majesty,"  said  Blucher,  calmly,  "only  a  short 
time  ago  it  required  a  great  deal  of  courage  for  a  German  to 
profess  friendship  for  Minister  von  Stein,  for  the  Emperor 
Napoleon  hates  and  fears  him,  and  for  this  reason  three- 
fourths  of  the  Germans  hate  and  fear  him  from  humble 
respect  for  the  Emperor  of  the  French. — Is  it  not  so?"  added 
Blucher,  suddenly  turning  to  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth,  who 
stood  close  behind  the  king,  "  is  it  not  as  I  say?  Do  you  not 
admit  that  I  am  right,  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth?" 

This  question,  which  was  addressed  to  a  by-stander,  with 
utter  disregard  of  etiquette,  caused  the  blood  of  the  courtiers 
to  freeze,  and  made  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth  turn  purple  with 
anger.  The  Emperor  Alexander,  however,  burst  into  loud 
laughter,  and,  turning  to  the  king,  he  whispered  to  him  in 
a  hurried,  low  voice,  "  You  are  right,  sire,  Blucher  is  a  mad- 
cap, a  genuine  hussar,  always  ready  to  charge!"  The  king 
nodded,  and  as  Alexander  laughed,  he  forced  himself  also  to 
smile  a  little.  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth  responded  to  Blu- 
cher's  question  only  by  a  quick,  angry  glance  and  a  gentle 
bow.  "  Well,"  said  Alexander,  turning  again  to  Blucher,  "  1 
am  satisfied,  however,  that  you  did  not  belong  to  the  three- 
fourths  of  the  Germans  that  hated  and  loved  according  to  the 
wishes  of  the  Emperor  Napoleon,  general?" 

"No,  your  majesty,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  "I  have  always 
belonged  to  his  most  consistent  and  implacable  enemies, 


THE  BALL  AT  THE  CITY  HALL  OF  BRESLAU.       28? 

though  I  really  owe  him  a  great  deal — nay,  almost  my 
life." 

"How  your  life?"  asked  Alexander,  in  amazement.  "Did 
the  emperor  ever  save  you  from  peril?" 

"Yes,  your  majesty,"  said  Blucher,  casting  a  quick  and 
fiery  glance  around  the  large  circle  of  his  audience,  "  the  Em- 
peror Napoleon  did  save  me  from  a  danger  menacing  my  life. 
For,  ever  since  the  disastrous  days  of  Tilsit,  I  was  near  dying 
of  grief  at  the  misfortunes  of  Prussia ;  and  when  our  noble 
and  august  Queen  Louisa  died — our  queen,  who  was  so  true 
and  patriotic  a  German  lady,  and  whose  heart  had  been  broken 
by  the  calamities  that  had  befallen  Prussia — I  really  thought 
a  dagger  had  pierced  my  heart,  and  I  would  have  to  bleed  to 
death.  But  then  I  comforted  myself  by  remembering  that 
Napoleon  still  lived,  and  that  I  ought  to  live,  too,  in  order  to 
see  the  day  when  the  tyrant  would  be  brought  to  judgment, 
and  I  felt  strengthened  by  the  conviction  that  God  had  des- 
tined me  to  be  the  instrument  by  whom  He  wanted  to  destroy 
Napoleon,  and  that  I  was  intended  to  assist  in  delivering  Ger- 
many and  avenging  Queen  Louisa;  and  this  thought,  sire, 
kept  me  alive,  invigorating  and  strengthening  me ;  it  rendered 
me  again  so  young  and  ardent  that  I  am  yearning  for  the 
fray  like  a  war-horse  that  has  heard  the  bugle-call." 

A  murmur  of  applause  was  heard,  and  only  the  feeling  of 
awe  inspired  by  the  presence  of  the  two  sovereigns  seemed  to 
restrain  a  tumultuous  outburst  of  general  sympathy.  Every 
one  looked  with  proud  and  joyful  glances  now  at  the  aged 
general,  whose  noble  face  was  full  of  courage  and  determina- 
tion, and  again  at  the  Emperor  Alexander,  who  seemed  to 
contemplate  the  intrepid  soldier  with  a  sort  of  amazement. 

A  brief  pause  ensued,  when  the  king  approached  Madame 
von  Blucher,  standing  by  the  side  of  Scharnhorst.  "  Good- 
evening,  madame,"  said  the  king,  in  a  loud  and  somewhat 
harsh  voice ;  "  please  tell  me  how  old  General  Blucher  is. " 

"Your  majesty,"  said  Madame  von  Blucher,  making  a  pro- 
found obeisance,  "  according  to  his  heart  and  strength,  he  is 
a  youth ;  according  to  his  certificate  of  birth,  he  is  seventy- 
one  years  old." 

"So  old!"  said  the  king;  " Blucher  so  aged  a  man !  But, 
it  is  true,  his  tongue  is  that  of  a  stripling." 

"Your  majesty,"  said  Blucher,  quickly  turning,  "may  it 
please  the  good  God  and  my  king  to  give  me  an  opportunity 
to  refute  my  certificate  of  birth,  and  to  prove  that  I  am  a 


288  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

vigorous,  courageous  lad,  who  knows  how  to  use  his  sword  as 
well  as  his  tongue!" 

"  It  is  not  sufficient,  however,  to  know  how  to  use  the  sword 
and  the  tongue,  but  one  must  know,  too,  how  to  restrain 
both,"  said  the  king,  quickly  turning  and  beckoning  Field- 
Marshal  Kalkreuth  to  his  side,  with  whom  he  commenced 
chatting. 

The  Emperor  Alexander  laid  his  hand  hastily  on  Blucher's 
shoulder,  as  if  to  soften  and  restrain  the  impending  outburst 
of  the  general's  anger,  and,  looking  with  a  kind  smile  into  his 
flushed  face,  he  said :  "  restraint  is  not  what  suits  you  ?  Your 
motto  is,  'Always  forward!'  And  you  believe  it  is  time  that 
all  Germany,  myself,  and  my  army,  should  adopt  this  motto? 
Well,  perhaps  you  are  right,  my  dear  general.  At  all  events, 
it  will  be  seen  soon  who  are  right,  those  who  wish  to  procras- 
tinate, or  those  who  are  in  favor  of  immediate  and  decisive 
action." 

He  nodded  pleasantly  to  Blucher,  and  then  called  General 
Scharnhorst  to  his  side,  turning,  like  the  king,  back  to  the 
audience-room.  The  guests  who  had  crowded  in  breathless 
silence  into  the  middle  of  the  hall,  dispersed  again  and 
returned  to  the  adjoining  rooms.  Blucher  escorted  his  wife 
to  the  gallery  occupied  by  ladies,  and  then  followed  the 
burgomasters,  who  had  solicited  the  honor  of  conducting  him 
to  the  supper-room. 

Frederick  William's  brow  was  gloomy  and  clouded,  and  he 
was  even  graver  and  more  reticent  than  usual.  He  retired 
into  the  background  of  the  room,  addressing  only  now  and 
then  a  few  quick  words  to  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth,  who  stood 
by  his  side.  Alexander's  countenance  was  serene  and  pleas- 
ant, and  a  smile  played  round  his  lips  while  he  conversed 
eagerly  with  General  Scharnhorst. 

"You  say,  then,  that  Stein  is  of  the  same  opinion?"  asked 
Alexander,  thoughtfully.  "  He  thinks,  too,  that  General 
Blucher  should  be  preferred?" 

"Yes,  sire,"  said  Scharnhorst,  "  this  is  the  opinion  of 
Minister  von  Stein,  and,  I  may  add,  the  opinion  of  every 
Prussian  who  has  the  happiness  and  greatness  of  the  father- 
land at  heart.  Sire,  those  who  are  in  favor  of  a  timid  and 
vacillating  policy,  who  would  like  to  negotiate1  and  compro- 
mise, who  still  believe  in  the  possibility  of  a  reconciliation 
with  France,  who  still  think  that  the  pen  should  smoothen 
the  rugged  path  before  us,  or  unravel  the  knot  of  our  difficul- 


THE  BALL  AT  THE  CITY  HALL  OF  BRESLAU.       289 

ties — those  cowardly,  grovelling  hearts  are  the  real  enemies  of 
our  cause,  and  more  dangerous  than  Napoleon  with  all  his 
armies.  For  they  are  weighing  down  our  courage,  paralyzing 
our  arms,  and  stifling  our  enthusiasm.  But  for  them  the 
king,  who,  in  his  modesty,  is  utterly  unaware  how  fiery  a 
soul,  how  great  a  heart  he  is  possessed  of,  would  have  long 
since  concluded  an  alliance  with  your  majesty.  But  the  king 
is  unfortunately  so  modest  that  he  distrusts  himself,  and  sub- 
ordinates his  own  opinion  to  that  of  his  old  and,  as  he  believes, 
well-tried  and  faithful  advisers.  Now,  these  advisers  are  to 
blame  for  all  the  misfortunes  of  Prussia ;  they  inveigled  us 
into  the  alliance  with  France ;  they  caused  us  to  adhere  to  it, 
and  would  even  now  like  to  force  us  back  into  it.  They  would 
stifle  the  fire  of  patriotism  because  they  are  afraid  lest  it 
annihilate  them  and  destroy  their  unworthy  efforts.  For  this 
reason  Blucher,  with  his  heroic  soul,  is  as  much  an  eyesore  to 
them  as  Stein,  with  his  plans  of  liberation  and  his  energetic 
action  for  constitutional  reform.  One  wishes  to  create  a  new 
Prussia,  the  other  a  new  state,  and  both  these  ideas  are  utterly 
distasteful  to  some,  for  they  cling  to  the  rotten  old  system, 
and  new  things  fill  them  with  terror." 

Alexander  listened  to  the  words  of  Scharnhorst  with  the 
liveliest  attention,  and  looked  down  musingly. 

"Listen,  general!"  he  said,  in  a  low  and  hurried  voice, 
glancing  around  the  room  as  if  to  convince  himself  that  no 
one  could  overhear  his  words,  "  reply  honestly  and  sincerely  to 
the  following  question:  Is  the  King  of  Prussia  sufficiently 
strong  to  cope  with  France  for  any  length  of  time?" 

"No,"  said  Scharnhorst,  firmly.  "The  army  the  king 
could  place  in  the  field  would  not  be  able  to  achieve  a  single 
victory  over  Napoleon.  But  the  Prussian  nation  is  strong, 
and  arming  itself  for  a  struggle  in  which  it  will  triumph,  be- 
cause no  army  can  resist  the  will  of  a  united  people,  and  be- 
cause God  is  an  ally  of  the  nations  fighting  for  their  liberty 
and  their  princes ;  but  he  who  is  audacious  enough  to  en- 
deavor to  stifle  the  flame  of  this  national  enthusiasm,  in- 
stead of  bearing  it  aloft  like  an  oriflamme  in  the  van  of  the 
great  army  of  liberation,  would  render  himself  guilty  of  a 
fearful  sin.  Prussia  will  conquer  with  her  whole  people,  but 
she  will  succumb  if  she  relies  only  on  her  army." 

"  It  is  true,"  said  Alexander,  thoughtfully,  "the  Prussian 
nation  has  manifested  of  late  a  wonderful  enthusiasm,  and  has 
risen  as  one  man.  It  has  risen  for  its  king  and  its  honor, 


290  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

and — do  you  not  believe  that  it  will  fight  equally  well  for 
both,  whether  Tauentzien,  Kalkreuth,  or  Blucher,  be  its 
chieftain?" 

"  No,  sire,"  said  Scharnhorst,  quickly;  "  I  know  that  it  will 
not.  The  people,  with  their  quick  and  unerring  instinct,  know 
those  very  well  in  whom  they  may  confide,  and  I  request  your 
majesty  to  take  graciously  into  consideration  that  it  is  this 
time  the  people  that  must  render  Prussia  victorious.  It  is 
true,  the  regiments  of  volunteers  that  have  already  been  organ- 
ized would  not  disband,  even  though  Kalkreuth  or  Tauent- 
zien should  be  appointed  general-in-chief  of  the  Prussian  or 
Silesian  army,  but  the  regiments  that  have  not  yet  been 
organized  and  equipped  will  hesitate  and  retire,  unless  they 
know  that  a  general  will  command  them  who  has  sworn  un- 
ending hatred  to  the  Emperor  Napoleon,  and  who  will  die  a 
thousand  times  on  the  battle-field  rather  than  conclude  peace 
and  a  new  alliance  with  him.  Now,  such  a  general  is  Blucher, 
the  youth  of  seventy,  a  modern  knight  'without  fear  and  with- 
out reproach.'  If  he  stands  at  the  head  of  our  army,  the 
Prussian  people  will  rally  exultingly  round  the  standards,  and 
the  diminished  regiments  be  replaced  by  new  ones  that  will 
rush  into  the  field,  because  they  know  that  there  is  at  their 
head  a  hero  in  whose  breast  there  is  room  for  only  two  senti- 
ments— love  of  country  and  hatred  of  the  French ;  and  who 
serves,  without  fear,  his  God,  his  king,  and  his  fatherland, 
impelled  by  this  very  hatred  and  love,  without  any  secondary 
motives — nay,  perhaps,  even  without  personal  ambition." 

"  If  Blucher  is  really  such  a  hero  as  you  depict  him,"  cried 
Alexander,  "  it  would  be  a  crime  not  to  place  him  at  the  head 
of  the  Silesian  army.  Had  you  told  the  king  all  you  have  told 
me,  he  would  certainly  not  have  hesitated  a  moment  as  to  the 
general  who  should  be  appointed  commander-in-chief." 

"Sire,  I  did  tell  him  all  that  my  heart  and  my  head 
prompted  me,  and  to-day  at  noon  I  was  still  convinced  that 
the  king  would  ap  t  General  Blucher  as  soon  as  he  should 
have  satisfied  himself  that  he  thereby  would  not  act  contrary 
to  the  will  and  wishes  of  your  majesty.  But  the  little  scene 
at  the  hall  a  few  minutes  ago  has  unfortunately  shaken  my 
conviction,  for  the  king  seemed  offended  at  the  rough  and 
somewhat  impetuous  bearing  of  the  hussar  general." 

"  And  this  very  bearing  of  the  hussar  general,  as  you  call 
Blucher,  has  impressed  me  very  favorably,  for  he  who  relies 
so  firmly  on  his  own  strength  must  feel  sure  of  victory.  I 


THE  BALL  AT  THE  CITY   HALL  OF  BRESLAU.       291 

like  to  see,  towering  above  the  crowd  of  the  fawning  courtiers 
surrounding  us,  men  who  do  not  bend  their  backs,  nor  sink 
into  the  dust,  before  our  so-called  'divine  rights,'  but  who 
stand  erect,  and  fear  no  one,  because  they  are  true  to  them- 
selves. " 

"  If  that  is  the  opinion  of  your  majesty,  then  I  am  at  liberty 
to  confess  that  I  share  it,"  said  a  voice  behind  him;  and  when 
the  emperor  turned,  he  met  the  smiling  gaze  of  the  king,  who 
had  approached  during  the  conversation  with  Scharnhorst, 
and,  as  he  did  not  wish  to  interrupt  it,  listened  to  its  con- 
clusion without  being  noticed  by  the  two  speakers. 

"What!"  asked  Alexander,  offering  his  hand  to  the  king. 
"Your  majesty,  then,  is  of  my  opinion — you  like,  too,  the 
men  who  sometimes  allow  us  to  see  their  brow  instead  of  their 
reverentially-bent  back,  and  who  tell  us  the  truth  instead  of 
those  eternal,  perfumed  flatteries?" 

"  Certainly,  sire,"  said  the  king,  gently  bowing  his  head. 
"  It  is  true,  the  truth  is  sometimes  a  somewhat  bitter  medi- 
cine, but  it  restores  our  health,  while  sweet  flatteries  spoil  our 
taste  and  ruin  our  stomach." 

"  And  we  must  really  have  a  healthy  stomach  to  digest  the 
hard  fare  of  these  times!"  exclaimed  Alexander,  smiling. 
"  Scharnhorst  thinks  that  Blucher  would  be  a  good  physician 
for  our  stomachs.  That  is  your  opinion,  general,  is  it  not?" 

"  Sire,  he  is  at  least  a  physician  who  will  not  resort  to  palli- 
atives," said  Scharnhorst,  "but  will  immediately  try  to  eradi- 
cate the  evil  by  a  thorough  operation." 

"  But  I  have  been  told  that  a  great  many  patients  have  died 
in  consequence  of  operations,  when  they  might  have  lived  a 
long  time  if  they  had  borne  their  ills  with  patience  and 
resignation,"  said  the  king,  growing  again  gloomy  and 
thoughtful. 

The  emperor  laid  his  hand  on  the  shoulder  of  his  royal 
friend.  "  But  who  would  prefer  a  life  on  the  sick-bed  to  the 
quick  and  glorious  death  of  a  hero  on  the  field  of  honor?"  he 
said,  feelingly.  "Not  you,  my  august  friend,  I  know;  and 
even  better  than  to  me  it  is  known  to  the  angel  who  is  hover- 
ing over  you,  and  whose  earthly  eyes  were  closed  in  grief. 
But,"  Alexander  interrupted  himself,  "these  are  thoughts  that 
are  unsuitable  for  a  festival,  and  I  beg  your  majesty's  pardon 
for  having  ventured  to  indulge  in  them." 

"  Still,  they  are  the  thoughts  that  always  accompany  and 
never  leave  me,  sire,"  said  the  king.  "  True,  I  have  overcome 


292  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

my  grief,  but  I  will  never  learn  to  forget.  At  the  present 
time  I  am  thinking  of  my  Louisa  with  redoubled  longing. 
How  her  heart  would  have  rejoiced  over  the  renewal  of  an 
alliance  which  she  so  fervently  desired,  and  how  the  noble 
spirit  of  the  nation  would  have  delighted  and  inspired  her!" 

"The  noble  queen,  I  believe,  was  also  a  warm  friend  of 
General  Blucher,  was  she  not?"  asked  the  emperor,  after  a 
pause.  "  I  believe  she  belonged  to  those  who  expected  a  great 
deal  from  him,  and  thought  him  a  hero  and  a  powerful  enemy 
of  Napoleon?  Is  it  not  so,  sire?" 

"  Yes,"  said  the  king,  thoughtfully,  "  the  queen  had  a  great 
regard  for  Blucher,  and  considered  him  a  brave  and  faithful 
patriot." 

"And  what  did  she  think  of  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth?" 
asked  Alexander,  with  seeming  carelessness.  "  Did  he  belong 
to  those,  too,  in  whom  the  queen  confided,  and  from  whom 
she  expected  the  salvation  of  the  fatherland?" 

The  king  quickly  looked  up  and  met  for  a  moment  the 
searching  gaze  which  the  emperor  fixed  on  him.  Frederick 
William  smiled,  and  inclined  his  head,  as  if  he  well  under- 
stood the  emperor's  question.  "  No,"  he  said,  "  Queen  Louisa 
rarely  approved  of  the  views  of  the  field-marshal,  and  although 
she  felt  high  esteem  for  the  general  who  had  already  shown 
himself  a  brave  man  under  the  great  Frederick,  she  did  not 
agree  with  the  predilection  he  manifested  for  the  Emperor 
Napoleon  and  his  invincible  armies." 

"A  predilection,"  exclaimed  Alexander,  smiling,  "which  I 
believe  the  field-marshal  has  not  yet  got  rid  of,  notwithstand- 
ing the  experience  which  Napoleon  gained  on  the  battle-fields 
of  Russia." 

"  On  the  same  battle-fields  on  which  your  majesty  gathered 
new  laurels,"  said  the  king,  bowing  slightly. 

"  And  now  there  will  spring  up  real  laurel-woods  for  your 
majesty  here  in  Germany!"  exclaimed  the  emperor.  "The 
only  question  for  us  now  is,  to  find  the  right  sort  of  gardener 
who  knows  how  to  cultivate  them.  But,  I  repeat,  our  thoughts 
are  not  suitable  to  this  festival.  Come,  sire,  permit  me  to 
offer  you  my  arm  as  your  cavalier,  and  to  conduct  you  to  the 
buffet,  for  how  exalted  soever  our  position  may  be,  we  must 
not  forget  that  we  are  men,  and  that  our  stomachs  sometimes 
need  food." 

He  offered  his  arm  to  the  king,  and  conducted  him  to  the 
email  supper-hall  adjoining  the  audience-room.  The  gentle- 


THE  APPOINTMENT.  293 

men  who  were  present  followed  them,  and  the  chamberlains 
hurried  to  the  sideboard  to  have  supper  served  up  to  the  two 
sovereigns. 


CHAPTEE    XXX. 

THE   APPOINTMENT. 

ALEXANDER  took  a  seat  by  the  king's  side  at  the  small 
table,  loaded  with  a  heavy  gold  service,  set  for  them  alone 
near  the  door,  which  was  covered  with  a  heavy  portiere,  and 
led  into  the  large  supper-hall.  The  emperor  and  the  king 
had  just  put  upon  their  plates  some  of  the  appetizing  pdte  de 
foie  gras  which  the  master  of  ceremonies  himself  had  served 
up,  and  were  proceeding  like  other  mortals  to  consume  them 
with  great  relish.  The  cavaliers,  improving  the  opportune 
moment  of  silence,  stood  about  the  room  and  partook  of  the 
viands  taken  from  the  sideboard.  Suddenly  this  silence  was 
interrupted  by  a  voice  which  was  not  uttered  in  the  room 
itself,  but  swept  through  it  like  the  blast  of  a  trumpet :  "  If 
this  hesitation  and  vacillation  continue,  all  is  lost;  and  it 
would  then  be  better  for  us  to  throw  ourselves  immediately  at 
the  feet  of  Bonaparte,  and  crave  quarter,  than  unnecessarily 
spill  the  precious  blood  of  the  people,  and  at  last  submit.  He 
who  does  not  advance  goes  backward  without  noticing  it,  and 
he  who  is  not  courageous  enough  to  attack,  is  vanquished  even 
before  his  adversary  has  forced  him  to  battle." 

"  Why,"  exclaimed  Alexander,  smiling,  "  these  are  sentences 
that  remind  me  of  General  Blucher." 

"  Your  majesty  is  right,  it  is  his  voice,"  said  the  king;  "  he 
will  give  vent  to  his  indignation,  and,  perhaps,  at  our  expense. 
Let  us  not  listen  to  him." 

"  On  the  contrary,  I  beg  your  majesty's  kind  permission  to 
listen,"  said  Alexander,  pleasantly.  "There  is  in  the  words 
of  the  general  something  that  is  as  refreshing  as  a  pure  wind 
dispelling  unhealthy  vapors.  Ah,  hear  him,  sire;  his  tones 
are  roaring  like  a  hurricane." 

In  fact,  the  voice  in  the  adjoining  room  had  grown  more 
violent,  and  the  Emperor  Alexander  was  seated  in  such  a  man- 
ner that  he  could  distinctly  hear  every  word  uttered : 

"  What !  you  really  believe  it  to  be  possible  that  they  will 
appoint  Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth  general-in-chief ,  and  intrust 


294  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

our  yonng  and  splendid  army  to  him?  Great  Heaven!  do 
they  not  know,  then,  that  Kalkreuth,  however  excellent  a 
man  and  brave  a  soldier  he  may  be,  is  not  fit  to  confront  Na- 
poleon? Is  it  not  a  matter  of  notoriety  that  the  field-marshal 
loves  and  admires  Bonaparte,  and  that  he  considers  a  rupture 
with  France  a  great  calamity  for  Prussia?  How  could  he 
ever  win  a  battle  who  could  never  look  straight  forward  at  the 
battle-field,  but  would  squint  sideways  to  see  what  faces  Napo- 
leon would  make,  and  whether  he  would  not  frown  at  the 
audacity  of  the  Prussians,  who  dare  try  to  defeat  the  great 
Napoleon?  We  need  a  man  with  a  direct  look — one  who  fixes 
both  his  eyes  on  the  object.  We  do  not  want  any  schielwippen  ! 
They  may  all  go  to  the  mischief,  for  one  never  knows  what 
they  are  about!  I  repeat,  we  need  a  man  with  a  straight 
look!" 

"  What  is  that?  schielwippen  ?  "  inquired  the  emperor,  smil- 
ing. "  I  thought  I  had  learned  the  German  language  pretty 
thoroughly  from  my  mother  and  my  wife,  both  of  whom  have 
the  honor  of  being  natives  of  Germany,  but  I  have  never  heard 
this  word  from  them.  Pray,  sire,  tell  me  what  it  means." 

"I  must  confess  that  I  do  not  understand  it  either,"  said 
the  king,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 

"General  Scharnhorst!"  cried  the  emperor.  "Pray  can 
you  tell  us  what  schielwippen  means?" 

"Sire,"  said  Scharnhorst,  laughing,  "  it  is  a  slang  term  for 
a  man  who  squints.  General  Blucher  likes  to  use  the  lan- 
guage of  the  people." 

"  Well,  the  Prussian  people  have  recently  used  such  grand 
and  magnificent  language,"  said  Alexander,  "  that  we  may  say 
with  heart-felt  conviction,  '  Vox populi  vox  Dei!  '  and  that  it 
reflects  great  credit  on  Blucher,  if  it  is  true  that  he  speaks  like 
the  people.  But,  hush!  what  does  he  say  now?" 

"The  cowards  have  brought  all  our  misfortunes  upon  us!" 
thundered  Blucher's  powerful  voice.  "  The  hesitating  men 
who  always  wish  to  patch  up  and  stop  the  holes,  instead  of 
tearing  down  the  old  ruin  and  building  a  new  house,  are  our 
curse,  and  have  always  involved  Prussia  in  untold  calamities. 
When  I  think  of  them  I  would  like  to  have  them  here,  to  treat 
them  as  Jahn  treated  the  other  day  one  of  the  Turners  at 
Berlin.  Do  you  know  the  story?" 

"No,"  shouted  several  voices,  "we  unfortunately  do  not." 

"  Well,  I  will  tell  it  to  you.  Jahn  went  with  his  pupils 
down  the  Linden  to  the  Brandenburg  gate  to  perform  the 


THE  APPOINTMENT.  295 

usual  gymnastic  exercises  on  the  drill-grounds  outside  the 
city.  On  the  way  he  happened  to  cast  his  eyes  on  the  gate, 
where  the  Victoria  formerly  stood,  and  which  the  French  stole 
and  carried  off  to  Paris.  Jahn,  like  every  honest  man  who 
looks  at  the  gate,  felt  his  heart  swell  with  anger.  He  turned 
to  the  boy  who  was  marching  by  his  side  and  asked  him, 
'What  stood  formerly  over  the  pillars  of  the  gate?' — 'The 
Victoria,'  said  the  boy. — 'Where  is  it  now?'  inquired  Jahn. 
— 'It  is  in  Paris,  where  the  French  carried  it.'  Jahn  asked 
again,  'What  do  you  think  when  looking  up  to  the  vacant 
place  on  the  top  of  the  gate?' — 'Well,'  said  the  boy,  with 
great  composure,  'what  should  I  think?  I  think  it  is  a  pity 
that  the  Victoria  is  no  longer  there.'  And  when  he  said  so, 
Jahn  lifted  up  his  hand  and  slapped  the  boy's  face.  'You 
should  think  that  we  will  fetch  back  the  Victoria,  you 
monkey!'  he  shouted.  That  is  the  whole  story,  but  I  remem- 
ber it  whenever  I  see  these  dear  tame  men  who  merely  say,  'It 
is  a  pity  that  we  have  been  so  unfortunate!'  and  whose  hearts 
feel  only  a  mild  regret  instead  of  the  most  ardent  revenge. 
And  then  my  hand  itches,  and  I  would  like  to  lift  it  up,  like 
Jahn,  and  slap  their  faces." 

"  Your  Blucher  is  a  splendid  hussar,"  said  Alexander,  look- 
ing at  the  king.  "  I  believe  it  is  dangerous  to  stand  before 
him  when  his  hand  is  itching." 

"Yes,  his  hand  has  been  itching  from  the  days  of  Jena," 
exclaimed  the  king,  smiling.  "  He  has  been  anxious  to  fight 
ever  since.  For  this  reason  I  gave  him  the  estate  of  Kunzen- 
dorf,  and  sent  him  thither.  I  thought  he  would  there  quietly 
cure  himself;  but  it  seems  it  was  in  vain;  my  expectations 
have  been  disappointed.  I  believe  his  hand  is  incurable." 

"  Your  majesty,  therefore,  had  better  yield  to  him,  and  allow 
him  to  fight,"  said  Alexander,  almost  entreatingly.  "  The 
opportunity  is  excellent  at  the  present  time.  If  yon  place 
him  at  the  head  of  the  Silesian  army,  he  will  no  longer  slap 
the  faces  of  his  friends  and  neighbors  on  the  right  and  left, 
but  will  rush  forward  and  stretch  out  his  itching  hand  to  deal 
the  French  terrible  blows." 

"  I  am  only  afraid  he  would  be  too  rash  in  his  wild  hussar 
spirit,"  said  the  king,  "and  spoil  every  thing  by  trying  to 
tear  down  all  barriers." 

"  A  man  should  be  placed  by  his  side  who  knows  how  to 
check  his  boldness,"  exclaimed  Alexander — "a  man  who  does 
not  stifle  Boucher's  ardor,  but  gives  it  the  true  direction. 


296  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"But  where  shall  we  find  such  a  one?" 

"I  believe  your  majesty  may  find  him  close  by,"  said  Alex- 
ander, pointing  to  Scharnhorst,  who  was  leaning  against  the 
portiere. 

"Ah,  sire,"  cried  the  king,  almost  merrily,  "I  believe  you 
are  a  magician,  and  understand  my  most  secret  thoughts. 
Scharnhorst  has  a  great  mind,  and  I  owe  him  much.  If  he 
would  take  upon  himself  that  difficult  and  ungrateful  part  by 
the  side  of  Blucher,  I  believe  the  general's  impetuosity  would 
be  less  dangerous." 

"  Your  majesty,  please  ask  him  whether  he  will  or  not,"  said 
Alexander. 

The  king  called  Scharnhorst  to  his  side.  "  You  have  influ- 
ence over  General  Blucher,  have  you  not?"  he  asked,  hastily. 

"  I  may  say,  at  least,  your  majesty,  that  General  Blucher  is 
convinced  of  my  love  and  devotion,  and  that  he  confides  a  lit- 
tle in  me." 

"  Could  you  make  up  your  mind  to  occupy  a  secondary 
position  by  his  side,  and,  if  I  should  appoint  Blucher  general- 
in-chief  of  the  Silesian  army,  become  his  chief  of  staff?" 

"Your  majesty,"  exclaimed  Scharnhorst,  "I  would  deem  it 
a  great  honor  to  serve  under  the  heroic  old  man,  and  I  am 
certain  that  with  him  I  would  enter  upon  a  glorious  career, 
particularly  if  your  majesty  should  grant  me  a  request." 

"What  is  it?     Speak!"' 

"  If  your  majesty  should  condescend  to  place  General  Guei- 
senau,  who  will  arrive  to-morrow,  as  quartermaster-general." 

The  king  nodded.  "  You  have  selected  a  noble  companion," 
he  said,  smiling. 

"It  will  be  a  splendid  trefoil,  it  seems  to  me,"  cried  the 
emperor.  "  Blucher,  Scharnhorst,  and  Gneisenau !  They 
are  three  well-sounding  names!  But  listen,  sire,  Blucher  is 
still  thundering.  There  is  a  way  to  calm  this  tempest." 

"What  is  it?"  asked  the  king,  smiling. 

"  Your  majesty  ought  to  be  so  gracious  as  to  send  for  Gen- 
eral Blucher,  and  tell  him  that  you  wish  to  confer  upon  him 
the  command-in-chief  of  the  Silesian  army." 

"  You  advise  me  to  do  so,  sire?"  inquired  the  king.  "  Your 
majesty,  in  counselling  this,  gives  up  no  wish?" 

"Yes,  I  do,"  said  Alexander,  smiling.  "I  should  wish  to 
see  General  Tauentzien  appointed  commander-iu-chief,  just  as 
your  majesty  probably  would  prefer  to  bestow  this  position  on 
Field-Marshal  Kalkreuth.  Let  us  both,  therefore,  sacrifice 


FIELD-MARSHAL  G.  L.  VON  BLttCHER. 

After  a  painting  by  DaMing. 


THE  APPOINTMENT.  297 

our  wishes  to  the  great  object  for  which  I  now  believe  Blucher 
to  be  the  proper  instrument." 

"So  let  it  be,  your  majesty,"  exclaimed  the  king.  "I  will 
send  for  Blucher."  He  beckoned  to  Scharnhorst  to  approach 
again.  "Pray  go  and  fetch  your  friend,  General  Blucher," 
said  the  king,  rising,  like  the  emperor,  from  the  table. 

"  And  I  beg  leave,  while  the  general  goes  into  the  hall,  to 
cast  a  glance  into  the  next  room,  to  see  what  Blucher  is 
doing,"  said  the  emperor.  "Now  draw  the  portiere  back, 
General  Scharnhorst,  and  stand  there.  In  this  way  I  am  able 
to  survey  the  whole  hall." 

Scharnhorst,  in  accordance  with  the  emperor's  order, 
opened  the  portiere  and  stood  in  it;  by  his  side,  shaded  by  the 
curtain,  stood  the  emperor  and  the  king.  Both  gazed  into 
the  supper-hall,  which  presented  a  highly  animated  spec- 
tacle. At  all  the  small  tables  sat  the  guests  in  attractive 
groups,  the  ladies  in  their  rich  toilets,  the  gentlemen  in  their 
brilliant  uniforms.  All  were  merry  and  loquacious ;  the  choice 
delicacies  had  put  everyone  in  good  spirits;  the  fiery  wine 
had  loosened  all  tongues.  Even  the  eyes  of  the  ladies  were 
sparkling  with  a  higher  lustre,  and  a  deeper  crimson  burned 
on  their  cheeks.  But  all  those  merry  faces  turned  frequently 
toward  the  small  table  on  one  side  of  the  hall  near  the  portiere. 
There  sat  General  Blucher  with  his  wife;  several  gentlemen 
were  seated  near  him.  On  the  table  stood  one  of  the  crystal 
bowls  that  had  previously  adorned  the  handsome  sideboard, 
and  from  this  bowl,  filled  with  an  amber-colored  liquid,  arose 
a  delightful  perfume.  Blucher  seemed  to  inhale  the  fragrance 
with  pleasure,  for  an  expression  of  infinite  comfort  beamed  from 
his  features,  and  whenever  he  emptied  his  glass  he  seized  the 
silver  ladle  that  lay  in  the  bowl,  and  then  drew  his  white 
mustache  with  a  smile  of  gratification  through  his  fingers, 
while  his  eyes  surveyed  the  whole  company  with  a  flashing 
glance.  Then  a  shadow  passed  across  his  brow.  "  We  are 
highly  elated  to-day,  because  we  are  at  length  to  take  up  arms 
against  our  foe,"  he  said ;  "  we  are  overjoyed  because  we  are  to 
take  our  revenge.  And  suppose  every  thing  should  again  turn 
out  wrong;  suppose  the  cowards  and  the  schielwippen  should, 
after  all,  remain  at  the  helm?  Great  Heaven!  the  very  idea 
maddens  me !  For  I  know  them !  I  know  that  they  will  ruin 
every  thing.  At  the  decisive  moment  they  are  vacillating, 
and,  in  order  to  dishearten  others,  too,  they  exaggerate  the 
strength  of  the  enemy  a  hundred-fold,  and  belittle  our  OWTI 
20 


298  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

resources  in  the  same  proportion.  Would  that  Heaven  were 
to  decree,  'Blucher  shall  command  the  Prussians!'  Good 
Lord,  I  pledge  Thee  my  head  that  I  would  expel  Bonaparte 
with  all  his  French  from  Germany,  though  I  had  but  thirty 
thousand  soldiers  behind  me!"  * 

"  Now  call  him  in,  general,"  whispered  Alexander.  Scharn- 
horst  stepped  into  the  hall.  The  king  and  the  emperor  left 
the  supper-hall  and  returned  into  the  audience-room. 

A  few  minutes  afterward  Blucher  entered,  followed  by 
Scharnhorst,  who  remained  at  the  door,  while  Blucher  ad- 
vanced boldly  toward  the  two  sovereigns. 

"  Your  majesty  was  so  gracious  as  to  send  for  me,"  he  said, 
bowing  to  the  king. 

"  Yes,"  said  the  king,  gravely.  "  I  wish  to  ask  you  whether 
you  belong  to  the  vacillating  cowards,  or  whether  you  are  a 
whole  man?" 

"And  I,"  exclaimed  Alexander,  pathetically — "I  wish  to 
request  you  to  confess  whether  you  are  also  a  schielwippef" 

Blucher  looked  at  the  two  sovereigns  with  a  gloomy,  inquir- 
ing glance.  But  suddenly  his  face  brightened,  and  a  smile 
played  round  his  lips.  "Ah,"  he  cried,  "I  understand! 
Your  majesties  have  overheard  my  prattle,  and  have  sent  for 
me  to  order  me  to  be  silent.  But  I  cannot,  your  majesties; 
I  cannot!  I  must  give  vent  to  my  wrath,  my  vexation,  and 
grief!  I  must  be  allowed  to  scold,  for  if  I  did  not  I  would  be 
obliged  to  weep,  and  it  would  be  a  disgrace  for  Blucher  to  act 
like  an  old  woman!  Let  me  scold,  then,  your  majesties;  it 
relieves  my  heart  a  little,  and  my  anger  teaches  me  to  forget 
my  grief." 

"  You  grieve,  then,  general?"  inquired  Frederick  William, 
smiling. 

"  Yes,  my  lord  and  king,  I  do  grieve  intensely.  I  should 
like  to  lay  my  complaint  before  your  majesty,  and  I  will  do 
so,  too.  I — " 

"Hush!"  interposed  the  king, — "hush,  my  firebrand  of 
seventy-one  years!  First  reply  to  this  question:  would  you 
like  to  be  appointed  general-in-chief  of  the  Silesian  army?" 

"  Would  I  like  to  be  appointed  general-in-chief?"  cried 
Blucher,  his  eyes  sparkling  with  joy.  "Your  majesty,  that 
is  just  as  though  you  ask  me  whether  I  like  to  live  any  longer. 
For  I  tell  your  majesty  I  will  die  at  once  rather  than  let  any 
one  else  have  that  position." 

*  EJucber's  ^ords.—  Yide  Varnhagen,  "  Life  of  Blupfter,"  p.  1§6. 


THE  APPOINTMENT.  299 

"  Well,  then,"  said  the  king,  in  a  grave  and  dignified  tone, 
"  I  appoint  you  general-in-chief  of  the  Silesian  army.  Do  you 
accept  the  position?" 

Blucher  uttered  a  cry,  and  his  face  brightened  as  if  lit  up 
by  a  sunbeam.  "I  accept  it,"  he  exclaimed,  "and  here  I 
swear  to  your  majesty  that  I  shall  not  lay  down  my  command 
before  Prussia  is  again  what  she  was  prior  to  the  battle  of 
Jena,  and  that  I  shall  not  sheathe  my  sword  before  we  have 
driven  Napoleon  beyond  the  Khine,  and  have  made  him  so 
humble  that  he  will  never  again  dare  to  cross  it.  I  swear  to 
your  majesty,  upon  my  honor,  that  I  will  hurl  Bonaparte  from 
his  throne — that  I  will  not  rest  before  the  crown  has  fallen 
from  his  head!  God  has  spared  me  that  I  may  chastise 
Napoleon;  He  has  told  me  every  night  in  my  dreams,  'Do 
not  despond,  do  not  lose  heart!  Keep  up  thy  courage  and 
thy  confidence,  for  I  shall  soon  need  thee!  Thou  shalt 
soon  cut  Napoleon  down  from  his  power,  and  throw  him 
into  the  dust  whence  he  sprang. '  And  I  have  answered,  'I 
am  on  hand,  and  wait  only  for  the  struggle  to  begin. '  Now  I 
say  to  your  majesty  what  I  then  said,  'I  am  on  hand,  and  the 
struggle  is  to  begin!'  I  have  sworn  every  day  to  chastise 
Bonaparte,  and  while  I  live  I  shall  thank  your  majesty  for 
giving  me  an  opportunity.  I  am,  then,  general-in-chief  of 
the  Silesian  army?" 

"  Yes,  I  appoint  you,  and  his  majesty  the  emperor  approves 
my  selection,"  said  the  king.  "All  necessary  directions,  in- 
structions, and  orders,  you  will  receive  to-morrow  in  writing. 
You  will  immediately  enter  upon  your  office,  and  place  your- 
self at  the  head  of  the  troops.  Do  you  wish  to  prefer  requests 
and  impose  conditions?" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty,  I  must  impose  two  conditions.  In  the 
first  place,  General  Scharnhorst  must  be  my  chief  of  staff,  for 
Blucher  is  only  half  a  man  when  Scharnhorst  is  not  with  him. 
I  have  the  arm,  he  has  the  head;  therefore  we  must  be 
together." 

"  Your  request  is  granted,  and  Scharnhorst  has  already  ac- 
cepted the  position,"  said  the  king,  smiling. 

"  Secondly,  I  must  impose  the  condition  that  I  be  allowed 
to  leave  Breslau  to-morrow  with  my  Prussians,  and  advance 
toward  Saxony." 

"What!  You  intend  to  start  at  once?"  cried  Alexander 
and  Frederick  William,  in  amazement. 

"Yes,  at  once,"  said   Blucher,  with   a  joyful   air.     "The 


300  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

years  of  waiting  are  past,  and  now  comes  the  day  of  vengeance. 
Like  a  thunderstorm  we  must  burst  upon  the  French.  Before 
they  expect  us  we  must  expel  what  troops  of  theirs  remain  in 
Germany,  dissolve  the  Confederation  of  the  Rhine,  and  by  our 
bold  exploits  stir  up  all  Germany  that  she  may  rally  round  our 
flag,  and  form  an  enormous  army  before  Napoleon  has  con- 
centrated his  newly-organized  forces.  That  is  our  task,  and, 
if  it  pleases  God,  we  will  fulfil  it." 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 

AFTER   THE   BATTLE   OF   BAUTZEN". 

FOE  two  days  the  battle  had  been  raging,  and  even  now,  in 
the  afternoon  of  the  22d  of  May,  the  struggle  was  undecided. 
Blucher,  who,  with  his  Prussians,  occupied  the  heights  of 
Kreckwitz,  near  Bautzen,  still  hoped  to  achieve  a  victory. 
For  two  days  the  Prussians  and  Russians  fought  like  lions 
along  the  extended  line  of  battle;  they  engaged  the  hostile 
legions  with  undaunted  courage  and  joyful  enthusiasm,  re- 
gardless of  the  scorching  heat,  hunger,  thirst,  and  exhaustion. 
During  these  days  Blucher  was  constantly  in  the  midst  of  his 
troops.  Where  the  shower  of  bullets  was  thickest,  where  the 
danger  was  most  imminent,  his  voice  was  heard  inciting  the 
soldiers ;  where  the  enemy  approached  with  his  most  formid- 
able columns,  Blucher  stood  with  his  faithful  companion 
Gneisenau  at  the  head  of  his  Prussians,  brandishing  his  sword, 
advancing  with  exulting  cheers  upon  the  enemy,  and  causing 
him  to  retreat. 

The  heights  of  Kreckwitz  had  to  be  held  till  General  Bar- 
clay de  Tolly,  with  his  Russians,  would  arrive,  and  Generals 
York  and  Kleisfc,  with  their  Prussians,  to  cover  Blucher's  left 
flank,  which  was  threatened  by  Marshal  Ney.  The  booming 
of  cannon  was  incessant.  The  Russians  stood  like  a  wall,  and 
when  the  front  ranks  were  swept  down,  others  took  their 
places;  the  living  stepped  over  the  dying,  undaunted,  and 
remembering  only  one  thing — that  they  had  to  take  revenge 
for  the  lost  battle  of  Lutzen.* 

"Boys,"  shouted  Blucher  to  his  soldiers,  just  as  the  balls  of 

*  Fought  May  2, 1813.  The  French  call  this  battle  that  of  Lutzen  ;  the  Germans 
generally  that  of  Gross-Gorschen.  Both  sides  claimed  a  victory.  But  the  latest  Ger- 
man historians,  especially  Beitzke,  admit  that  the  Germans  were  defeated. 


AFTER  THE  BATTLE  OF  BAUTZEN.        301 

the  enemy  struck  down  whole  ranks,  "  boys,  remember  that 
we  have  resolved  to  sabre  the  French.  They  have  exhausted 
the  soil  of  Germany,  we  must  fertilize  it  with  French  corpses. 
Remember  Gross-Gorschen,  where  they  wounded  our  General 
Scharnhorst.  We  must  chastise  them  for  that,  and  capture 
a  few  French  generals.*  We  must  get  at  least  four  of  their 
marshals  in  return  for  General  Scharnhorst,  for  the  fellows 
are  light,  and  four  of  them  do  not  weigh  as  much  as  one 
Scharnhorst.  Now,  tell  me,  shall  we  get  those  four  French 
marshals?" 

"Yes,  Father  Blucher,  yes!"  shouted  the  Prussians,  jubi- 
lantly. "Long  live  Father  Blucher!" 

"  Only  a  little  longer,  and  the  day  is  ours !"  cried  Gneisenau, 
in  a  ringing  voice.  "  The  legions  of  Marshal  Ney  are  charg- 
ing again,  but  General  Barclay,  with  his  Russians,  has  occu- 
pied the  Windmill-knoll,  near  Gleime,  and  will  repulse  him 
as  we  shall  Napoleon's  columns.  The  heights  of  Kreckwitz 
are  the  Thermopyls  of  the  Prussians,  and  we  will  fall  to  a 
man  rather  than  surrender!" 

"Yes,  that  we  will  do!"  cried  the  officers,  enthusiastically, 
and  the  soldiers  echoed  their  shouts. 

At  this  moment  a  terrific  cannonade  resounded  on  the  right 
wing  of  the  Prussian  troops.  "  There  are  the  French !"  ex- 
claimed Blucher.  "Boys,  now  bring  in  those  marshals!" 
The  cannon  roared,  the  muskets  rattled,  and,  as  though 
heaven  desired  to  participate  in  this  struggle  of  the  nations, 
the  thunder  rolled,  and  flashes  of  lightning  darted  into  the 
clouds  of  battle:smoke. 

But  who  was  galloping  up  suddenly  o»  a  charger  covered 
with  foam,  his  hair  fluttering  in  the  breeze,  and  his  face  pale 
and  terrified?  It  was  a  Prussian  colonel,  and  still  he  does 
not  join  in  the  exultation  of  his  countrymen.  He  approached 
Generals  Blucher  and  Gneisenau. 

"Halloo!  Lieutenant-Colonel  von  Muffling,"  shouted  Blu- 
cher, "  are  you  back  ?  Do  you  bring  us  greetings  from  Bar- 
clay de  Tolly?  Has  he  finished  the  French?  Well,  we  are 
just  about  to  recommence  our  work  here — the  last  work  for 
to-day." 

"  General,"  cried  Muffling,  anxiously,  "  the  French  will  soon 
have  finished  Barclay  de  Tolly,  and  defeated  us!  For  he  is 

*  General  Scharnhorst  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Gross-Grorschenby  Blucher's 
side.  He  believed  his  wound  was  not  dangerous,  but  he  left  the  headquarters  to  be 
cured.  He  went  at  first  to  Altenburg,  and  then  to  Prague,  to  attend  the  peace  con- 
gress. His  wound  reopened,  and  he  died  at  Prague  on  the  20th  of  June,  1813. 


302  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

unable  to  hold  out.  He  has  only  fifty  thousand  men,  and 
Ney  is  attacking  him  with  a  much  larger  force.  Barclay 
sends  me  for  reinforcements,  and  if  we  do  not  strengthen  his 
line,  he  cannot  maintain  himself  on  the  Windmill-knoll.  In 
a  quarter  of  an  hour  it  will  be  in  Ney's  hands." 

"No;  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour  Ney  will  be  in  our  hands," 
shouted  Blucher,  confidently.  "Ney  is  a  marshal,  and  we 
must  have  him!  Boys,"  he  cried,  drawing  himself  up  in  his 
stirrups,  and  looking  back  toward  his  troops — "  boys,  we  must 
have  Marshal  Ney,  must  we  not?" 

"Yes,  Father  Blucher,  we  must  have  Marshal  Ney!" 

Heaven  responded  with  a  loud  clap  of  thunder,  the  earth 
was  shaken  by  the  booming  of  the  cannon,  the  air  was  rent  by 
the  cheers  of  the  living,  and  the  groans  and  imprecations  of 
the  wounded  and  dying.  Blucher  still  stood  with  his  Prus- 
sians on  the  heights  of  Kreckwitz,  his  face  radiant  with 
enthusiasm,  his  eye  flashing  with  courage;  but  a  warning 
adviser  stood  by  his  side. 

"General,"  whispered  Muffling,  "we  are  lost  if  we  remain 
here  longer.  We  must  retreat." 

"  Eetreat!"  cried  Blucher,  in  an  angry  voice,  and  a  clap  of 
thunder  burst  at  that  moment. 

Muffling  pointed  silently  down  into  the  plain,  and  over  to 
the  AVindmill-knoll.  "Look  yonder!  Napoleon  is  advancing 
directly  upon  our  front,  the  Windmill-knoll  is  evacuated,  Bar- 
clay has  gone,  and  the  Eussians  are  routed!" 

"But  we  still  stand,"  cried  Blucher,  triumphantly,  "and 
we  shall  stand  in  spite  of  Napoleon  and  the  devil!  And, 
then,  we  are  not  without  support.  The  Eussian  artillery 
attached  to  our  corps  is  thundering  against  the  enemy,  and 
York  and  Kleist  are  covering  our  left  wing." 

"But,  general,  listen!  The  Eussian  artillery  is  firing  less 
rapidly;  General  Kleist  is  no  longer  able  to  cover  our  left 
wing,  for  the  sovereigns  have  sent  him  to  Bairuth  to  cover 
Barclay's  flank ;  and  as  for  York,  he  was  unable  to  prevent 
the  enemy  from  placing  a  battery  near  Basantwitz.  I  saw  it 
when  I  rode  hither.  We  are,  therefore,  in  a  triple  cross-fire." 
And,  as  though  the  enemy  intended  to  confirm  these  warning 
words,  the  cannon  flashed  from  three  sides,  and  hurled  their 
balls  into  the  ranks  of  the  Prussians. 

The  flush  of  hoped-for  victory  paled  in  Blucher's  face; 
Gneisenau  grew  grave  and  gloomy.  The  staff  came  nearer  to 
their  chieftain,  and  tried  to  read  his  thoughts  in  his  eyes. 


AFTER  THE  BATTLE  OF  BAUTZEN.  303 

The  jubilant  shouts  of  the  soldiers  were  hushed ;  heaven  was 
still  thundering,  and  in  the  distance  burning  villages,  like 
gigantic  torches,  lit  up  the  landscape,  and  shed  a  blood-red 
lustre  over  the  gray  sky.  Blucher  looked  around  in  silence; 
his  lip  quivered,  his  eyebrows  contracted,  and  large  drops  of 
cold  perspiration  stood  on  his  forehead.  Gneisenau  was  by 
his  side,  gloomy  and  taciturn,  like  his  chieftain.  Behind 
them  halted  the  staff-officers,  mournful  as  their  leaders,  for 
now  every  one  recognized  the  danger,  and  knew  that,  if  they 
remained  at  the  "Thermopylae  of  Prussia,"  they  would  have 
to  defend  themselves  to  the  last  man,  or  lay  down  their  arms, 
because,  as  soon  as  the  enemy  closed  up  the  fourth  side, 
escape  would  be  impossible.* 

On  the  other  side  of  Blucher  halted  Colonel  Muffling,  who 
had  brought  back  such  calamitous  tidings  from  his  reconnois- 
sance.  He  pointed  silently  to  the  French  columns  of  Marshal 
Ney,  that  just  commenced  climbing  the  heights,  and  then 
pulled  out  his  watch.  "We  have  fifteen  minutes  left,"  he 
said,  in  a  loud,  solemn  voice,  "fifteen  minutes  to  extricate 
ourselves  from  the  noose.  Afterward  we  shall  be  hemmed  in. 
If  we  do  not  improve  the  time  the  cowards  will  surrender,  and 
the  brave  die  fighting  to  the  last,  but  unfortunately  without 
promoting  in  the  least  the  welfare  of  the  fatherland."  f 

Blucher  did  not  reply,  gazing  down  with  a  sombre  eye  on 
the  enemy,  coming  up  in  increasing  masses.  The  cannon  of  the 
French,  firing  from  three  sides,  spoke  a  disheartening  lan- 
guage. The  Russian  batteries  had  ceased  firing,  for  their 
ammunition  was  exhausted. 

"  Gneisenau,"  asked  Blucher  at  last,  in  a  hollow  voice,  and 
sighing,  as  though  a  stone  weighed  down  his  breast,  "  Gnei- 
senau, what  do  you  say?" 

"I  must  admit  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  von  Muffling  is 
right,"  sighed  Gneisenau.  "  Under  the  present  circumstances 
all  further  bloodshed  will  be  useless,  and  it  is  our  bouhden 
duty  to  preserve  our  men  for  a  better  opportunity.  We  must 
hasten  to  retreat."  J 

A  single  savage  imprecation  burst  from  Blucher's  lips,  but 
only  the  nearest  bystanders  heard  it,  for  it  was  drowned  by 
the  roar  of  artillery  and  the  thunder  of  heaven.  With  a  quick 
jerk  he  drew  his  cap  over  his  forehead,  so  that  his  eyes  were 
shaded — those  eyes  which  had  flashed  so  defiantly,  but  which 

*Miiffling,  "Ausmeinera  LebeD,"  p.  42. 
t  Mttffling's  words.— Ibid.,  p.  43. 
tGneisenau's  words. — Ibid.,  p.  43. 


304  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

were  now  dim,  who  could  say  whether  from  the  rain  that  was 
pouring  down,  or  the  smoke  of  battle,  or  from  despairing 
tears?  He  slowly  turned  toward  the  gentlemen  of  his  staff. 
"We  must  descend,  therefore,  from  the  heights,"  he  said,  in 
a  harsh  voice.  "  Forward !  March  down  the  turnpike  toward 
Weissenberg.  Make  the  enemy  at  least  pay  dearly  for  com- 
pelling us  to  retreat.  Let  the  cavalry  advance,  covering  our 
retreat,  and  let  not  a  single  man  or  standard  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  French!  Come,  gentlemen,  listen  to  what  I 
have  still  to  say  to  you." 

The  quarter  of  an  hour  allowed  by  Muffling  had  not  yet 
elapsed  when  the  Prussians  commenced  slowly  descending  the 
heights  of  Kreckwitz,  and  marching  down  the  turnpike  toward 
Weissenberg.  Blucher  had  ridden  from  the  position  at  a 
brisk  trot,  with  Gneisenau  and  the  officers  of  his  staff,  and 
galloped  a  short  distance  along  the  level  valley-road;  then 
halting  suddenly,  and,  turning  his  horse,  he  looked  up  to  the 
heights,  from  which  the  Prussians  were  descending  in  perfect 
order,  but  in  gloomy  silence.  "  This  is  the  second  time  we 
have  been  obliged  to  retreat,"  said  Blucher,  mournfully,  "  the 
second  time  that  Bonaparte  is  luckier  than  we  are ;  the  block- 
heads will  now  say  again  that  Bonaparte  is  invincible,  and  that 
they  are  fools  who  resist  him,  God  being  on  his  side,  and  for- 
tune never  forsaking  him.  But  I  say  it  is  false ;  the  good  God 
is  not  on  his  side,  but  the  devil  is,  and  fortune  is  only  lulling 
him  to  sleep,  to  plunge  him  the  surer  and  deeper  into  the 
abyss.  But  it  is  true,  nevertheless,  that  this  is  the  second 
battle  we  have  lost,  and  the  second  time  that  we  are  obstructed 
in  our  advance.  But  I  swear  here — and  may  Heaven  record 
my  oath ! — that  this  shall  be  the  last  time  that  I  fall  back ; 
that  I  will  specially  pay  Bonaparte  for  my  grief  and  anxiety 
for  the  past  month,  and  that  I  will  bring  him  as  much  trouble 
as  one  man  can  to  another.  What  a  fearful  account  Bona- 
parte has  to  settle  with  me !  how  much  he  has  to  pay  me ! 
But,  no  matter;  my  sword  is  sharp,  and  will  surely  erase  one 
item  of  his  indebtedness  after  another.  From  this  day  I  will 
begin.  Will  you  lend  me  your  assistance,  gentlemen?" 
"Yes,"  replied  the  officers  of  his  staff,  "we  will!" 
"Well,  then  it  is  all  right,"  said  Blucher,  nodding;  "from 
to-day  M.  Napoleon  had  better  beware  of  me.  Hitherto,  I 
have  only  hated  him;  now  I  abhor  him,  and  the  word  back- 
ward exists  no  longer  for  me  and  my  Prussians!"  He  quickly 
galloped  up  to  his  troops.  "Well,  boys,"  he  cried,  "the 


AFTER  THE  BATTLE  OF  BAUTZEN.  305 

heights  of  Kreckwitz  are  of  no  use  to  us,  and  it  is  better  for 
us,  therefore,  to  descend  from  them,  and  leave  them  to  Bona- 
parte, who  may  put  them  into  his  pocket,  if  it  affords  him 
pleasure;  but  henceforth  let  us  reverse  matters,  and  put  him 
into  our  pocket  and  keep  him  warm ;  otherwise,  he  might  feel 
cold  again,  as  he  did  in  Eussia.  Forward  now,  boys;  for- 
ward !  And  as  we  are  now  moving,  I  am  sure  you  see  that  we 
do  not  move  backward ;  he  who  asserts  that  we  are  retreating 
is  a  blockhead.  Forward!" 

But  whatever  Blucher  said — how  plausibly  soever  he  tried 
to  represent  to  his  troops  that  they  were  not  retreating,  but 
advancing — it  was  unfortunately  but  too  true  that  the  battle 
of  Bautzen  was  lost,  and  that  the  Prussians  and  Kussians  were 
obliged  to  fall  back.  It  is  true,  they  did  so  in  excellent 
order,  but — they  retreated  and  Napoleon  could  boast  of  a  new 
victory  on  German  soil. 

The  whole  army  of  the  allies  commenced  retreating  about 
dusk  on  the  same  day,  and  turned  again  toward  Silesia.  The 
troops  marched  sullenly,  and  sombre  too  were  the  faces  of  the 
two  sovereigns,  the  Emperor  Alexander  and  King  Frederick 
William.  Full  of  hope  that  they  would  achieve  a  victory, 
they  had  taken  the  field  with  their  troops;  but  now  their 
hopes  were  blasted,  and  they  Avere  compelled  to  return  whence 
they  had  set  out. 

While  the  troops  were  marching  down  the  wide  highways, 
the  two  sovereigns,  preceding  their  forces,  took  a  short  cut  to 
Reichenbach.  They  were  alone ;  only  two  footmen  followed 
them  at  some  distance;  not  a  vestige  of  their  earthly  greatness 
surrounded  them.  They  were  both  silent;  slowly  riding 
along,  the  king  looked  grave,  while  the  emperor  frequently 
turned  his  eyes,  with  an  expression  of  mournful  emotion,  upon 
his  friend,  or  raised  them  heavenward  with  an  entreating 
glance.  Silence  reigned  around  ;  only  at  a  great  distance  was 
heard  the  dull  rumbling  of  wagons,  and  here  and  there  on  the 
horizon  still  flickered  the  burning  ruins  of  a  village. 

For  some  time  they  thus  rode  side  by  side,  when  the  king 
stopped  his  horse.  "  There  must  be  a  change !"  he  exclaimed, 
in  a  tone  of  grief  and  despair.  "  We  are  moving  eastward, 
but  we  must  advance  westward." 

"  We  must  all  move  eastward,"  said  the  emperor,  in  a  deep, 
fervent  tone ;  "  from  the  east  came  our  salvation ;  eastward, 
therefore,  every  good  Christian  turns  his  face  whenever  he 
prays  for  assistance  and  redemption." 


306         NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

The  king,  perhaps,  did  not  hear  these  words,  for  he  made 
no  reply,  but  looked  moody  and  thoughtful.  Both  did  not 
notice  that  the  sky  had  brightened,  and  that  the  sun  in  its 
splendor  was  shedding  its  setting  beams.  It  was  a  beautiful 
evening.  The  earth,  refreshed  by  the  rain,  exhaled  sweet 
odors;  the  air  was  fresh  and  balmy,  and  the  blooming  fields 
waved  as  a  gentle  sea.  The  sovereigns  were  too  much  con- 
cerned with  themselves  to  be  attracted  by  the  beauties  of  out- 
ward nature.  Their  eyes  were  turned  inward. 

"Oh,"  resumed  the  king,  after  a  pause,  "what  will  be  the 
end  of  all  this?  Were  not  they  right  who  cautioned  me 
against  this  war,  and  pointed  to  Napoleon's  luck  in  order  to 
prevent  me  from  entering  upon  it?  Have  not  my  troops  done 
all  that  can  be  demanded  of  human  strength?  Have  they  not 
braved  with  heroic  resolution  all  fatigues  and  privations,  and 
behaved  in  battle  with  unsurpassed  valor?  Have  not  the  Rus- 
sians also  manifested  the  noblest  devotion,  and  the  most  in- 
trepid constancy?  And  still  our  armies  have  been  defeated 
in  two  pitched  battles — and  still  we  are  retreating?  What 
have  we  to  hope  for?  What  new  resources  have  we?  May  we 
still  hope  for  the  accession  of  Austria  to  our  alliance?" 

He  uttered  these  questions  in  an  undertone  and  thought- 
fully, as  if  to  himself,  and  forgetful  of  the  presence  of  another 
who  could  hear  him.  When  the  emperor,  therefore,  replied 
to  him,  Frederick  William  gave  a  start,  and  raised  his  head 
almost  in  surprise. 

"No,"  said  the  emperor,  gravely — "no,  we  must  not  count 
on  Austria;  or,  if  you  please,  not  yet.  The  mission  of  Count 
Stadion  ought  to  have  proved  this  to  us.  They  sent  their 
diplomatist  to  treat  with  us  that,  in  case  of  a  victory,  we 
might  not  consider  Austria,  too,  as  our  enemy.  Now,  that 
we  have  not  been  victorious,  Count  Stadion  will  undoubtedly 
leave  our  headquarters,  repair  to  those  of  Napoleon,  and  assure 
him  of  the  most  faithful  and  sincere  devotion  of  Austria. 
Austria  desires  only  negotiation — to  fight  with  words,  not 
with  the  sword." 

"But,  without  Austria,"  cried  the  king,  vehemently,  "we 
are  too  weak!  Oh,  at  times  it  seems  to  me  as  though  no 
human  strength  were  able  to  accomplish  any  thing  against  the 
surpassing  genius  of  Napoleon,  and  as  though  God  alone,  who 
made  him  so  great,  and  raised  him  so  high,  could  humble 
him !  We  have  done  all  that  men  could  do,  but  it  is  all  in 
Vain!  He  has  conquered!" 


AFTER  THE  BATTLE  OF  BAUTZEN.       30? 

"  But  we  have  made  him  purchase  his  victories  very  dearly," 
said  Alexander,  "  and  if  we  yielded,  it  was  at  least  with  honor. 
None  of  our  battalions  were  dispersed,  and  I  believe  the  num- 
ber of  prisoners  is  about  the  same  on  both  sides.  On  the 
whole,  nothing  is  lost  as  yet,  and  with  God's  help  we  will 
soon  do  better." 

"  Yes,  but  only  with  God's  help,"  cried  the  king;  "  we  need 
it  above  all;  without  it  we  are  lost." 

"But  God  is  with  us,"  exclaimed  Alexander,  enthusiasti- 
cally, "  I  know  it ;  I  have  gained  this  firm  conviction  ever 
since  the  great  and  terrible  days  of  Moscow  and  the  Beresina. 
God  sent  me  those  days  of  trial  and  terror  that  I  might  believe 
— and  now  I  do  believe.  Until  then  I  was  a  man  enthralled 
by  worldly  doubts,  relying  upon  my  own  strength,  and  rejoic- 
ing, not  without  vanity,  in  my  earthly  greatness.  I  thought 
of  God,  I  loved  Him,  but  He  did  not  fill  my  whole  soul — I 
pursued  my  own  path,  and  diverted  myself.  But  the  con- 
flagration of  Moscow  illuminated  my  mind,  and  the  judgment 
of  the  Lord  on  the  ice-fields  filled  my  heart  with  a  fervor  of 
faith  which  it  had  never  felt  until  then.  With  the  flames  of 
the  holy  city  the  hand  of  God  wrote  on  the  reddened  sky,  'I 
am  the  Lord  thy  God!'  With  the  rivers  of  blood  flowing 
from  the  grand  army  of  the  French,  the  finger  of  the  Lord 
wrote  on  the  snow-fields,  'Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  be- 
fore me!'  Since  then  there  is  a  wonderful  joy,  an  indescrib- 
able humility,  and  an  immovable  faith  in  my  heart — since 
then  I  have  become  another  man.  To  the  deliverance  of 
Europe  from  utter  ruin  I  owe  my  own  soul's  salvation."  * 

"It  is  He  alone  who  is  able  to  deliver  us,"  said  the  king, 
profoundly  moved ;  "  I  bow  my  head  in  humility,  and  confess 
that  we  are  nothing  without  Him.  May  He  send  us  His 
support!" 

"He  will,"  exclaimed  Alexander,  fervently;  "God  will  be 
with  us,  for  we  are  engaged  in  a  just  cause!" 

"Yes,  it  is  just,"  responded  Frederick  William,  with  deep 
emotion,  and,  slowly  raising  his  eyes,  he  whispered,  "Pray 
for  us,  Louisa,  that  we  may  conquer!" 

Both  were  silent,  and,  with  pious  emotion,  they  lifted  their 
hearts  to  heaven.  Suddenly  a  joyful  gleam  kindled  the  face 
of  the  king,  and,  offering  his  hand  to  Alexander,  he  said  in  a 
deeply-moved  tone,  "  We  must  not  despond,  but  courageously 
continue  the  struggle.  If  God,  as  I  hope,  bless  our  united 

*The  emperor's  words.— Vide  Eylert,  "  Frederick  William  III.,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  24& 


308  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

efforts,  we  will  profess  before  the  whole  world  that  the  glory 
belongs  to  Him  alone."  * 

"Yes,"  cried  Alexander,  putting  his  right  hand  into  that 
of  his  friend.  "  Let  us  not  be  ashamed  to  declare  that  the 
glory  belongs  to  God.  And  now,  my  friend,"  exclaimed  the 
emperor,  when  they  halted,  "  let  us  repair  to  our  headquarters, 
and  hold  a  council  of  war  with  our  generals." 

"Very  well,"  replied  Frederick  William;  "let  us  examine 
the  strength  of  our  forces,  and  see  what  ought  to  be  done. 
The  battle  of  Bautzen  must  not  be  the  end  of  this  war." 


CHAPTEE    XXXII. 

BAD  NEWS. 

A  MOMENT  of  repose  had  interrupted  the  great  contest. 
Napoleon  had  offered  an  armistice  to  the  allies  prior  to  the 
battle  of  Bautzen ;  they  rejected  it,  full  of  confidence  in  their 
strength.  After  the  battle  of  Bautzen,  the  offer  was  repeated, 
and  accepted.  Time  was  needed  for  levying  additional  troops, 
organizing  new  regiments,  and  concentrating  new  corps. 
But  Napoleon,  deceived  by  his  victories,  relying  on  his  good 
luck,  and  on  the  mistakes  of  his  enemies,  was  fully  satisfied 
that  this  armistice  was  but  the  forerunner  of  peace;  and  that 
the  allies,  warned  by  the  two  lost  battles,  would  be  eager  to 
accept  any  peace  not  altogether  dishonorable.  The  negoti- 
ations were  opened  at  Prague.  France,  Prussia,  and  Eussia, 
sent  their  plenipotentiaries  to  that  city ;  and  Austria,  having 
taken  upon  herself  the  part  of  a  mediator,  instructed  her 
envoy,  Minister  Metternich,  to  participate  in  the  congress. 
The  armistice  was  from  the  4th  of  June  to  the  24th  of  July — 
time  enough  for  agreeing  on  a  peace  equally  advantageous  to 
both  sides — time  enough,  too,  in  case  it  should  not  be  con- 
cluded, to  concentrate  the  armies  and  bring  reinforcements 
from  France. 

So  soon  as  the  armistice  was  signed,  Napoleon  returned  to 
Dresden,  to  await  there  the  result  of  the  negotiations.  At  the 
Marcolini  Palace  the  emperor  again  established  his  head- 
quarters; but  no  brilliant  festivals  were  given,  as  previous  to 
his  expedition  to  Eussia;  the  kings  and  princes  of  Germany 
did  not  gather  round  the  powerful  conqueror.  The  Emperoi 

*  The  king's  words.— Vide  Eylert,  "Frederick  William  IH.,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  248. 


BAD  NEWS.  309 

> 

of  Austria  remained  quietly  but  sullenly  at  Vienna;  the  King 
of  Prussia  was  at  Reich enbach,  and  was  now  the  enemy  of 
Napoleon,  and  all  the  princes  of  the  German  Confederation  of 
the  Ehine,  who,  but  a  year  before,  were  humble  courtiers  of 
Napoleon,  kept  aloof  in  morose  silence,  or  refused  obedience 
to  their  former  master,  and  raised  difficulties  when  called 
upon  to  furnish  new  troops  and  open  additional  resources. 
None  of  them  came  to  offer  homage  to  him  whom  they  had 
just  feared  as  the  most  powerful  ruler  in  the  world.  Only  the 
old,  feeble  King  of  Saxony  (who,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
war  had  fled  with  his  millions,  and  the  diamonds  of  the 
Green  Vault,  to  Plauen,  in  the  most  remote  corner  of  his 
territories),*  returned  at  the  rather  imperious  request  of  Na- 
poleon to  Dresden.  The  emperor  dined  with  him  sometimes, 
but  only  in  the  most  intimate  family  circle,  and  without  any 
outward  splendor;  at  night  he  went  to  the  French  theatre, 
which  had  been  ordered  to  Dresden  during  the  armistice. 
Sometimes,  his  favorites,  the  ladies  Mars  and  Georges,  and  the 
great  Talma,  were  allowed  to  sup  with  the  emperor  after  the 
performance,  and  the  beautiful  Mars,  the  impassioned  fervor 
of  the  gifted  Georges,  and  the  conversation  of  the  no  less 
genial  than  adroit  Talma,  succeeded  in  dispelling  the  em- 
peror's discontent.  But  no  sooner  was  he  alone  with  his 
thoughts,  his  labors,  his  plans,  than  his  countenance  assumed 
its  sombre  expression.  Thus  days  and  weeks  elapsed,  and 
the  congress  was  still  assembled  at  Prague ;  the  end  of  the 
armistice  was  drawing  nigh,  and  the  plenipotentiaries  had  not 
yet  been  able  to  agree  on  the  conditions  of  peace. 

It  was  on  the  morning  of  the  28th  of  June.  Napoleon  had 
just  finished  his  breakfast,  and  entered  his  map-room  to  con- 
ceive there  the  plans  of  future  campaigns,  when  the  door  of 
the  reception-room  opened,  and  -Minister  Maret,  Duke  de 
Bassano,  came  in.  Maret  belonged  to  the  few  men  in  whom 
his  master  placed  implicit  confidence,  and  whose  fidelity  he 
never  doubted ;  to  those  who  had  at  all  times  free  access  to 
him,  and  were  permitted  to  enter  his  apartments  without  being 
announced  Nevertheless,  his  arrival  seemed  to  surprise  Na- 
poleon. Never  before  had  the  duke  entered  his  room  at  so 
early  an  hour,  for  he  knew  well  that  the  emperor,  engaged  in 
examining  his  maps  and  devising  plans,  did  not  like  to  be 
disturbed.  It  was  undoubtedly  something  unusual  that  in- 
duced the  Duke  de  Bassano  to  come  to  him  at  such  a  time. 

*  "  LebensbUder,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  466. 


310  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Napoleon  cast  a  quick  glance  on  Maret's  face.  Standing 
up  beside  the  map-table,  and  leaning  his  hand  upon  it,  he 
asked,  vehemently,  "Well,  Maret,  what  is  it?" 

"  Sire,  I  have  come  only  to  deliver  to  your  majesty  a  few 
letters  which  the  courier  has  just  brought  from  Paris,"  said 
the  duke,  handing  him  some  sealed  packages. 

"Is  a  letter  from  the  empress  among  them?"  asked  Napo- 
leon, hastily. 

"Yes,  sire." 

The  emperor  had  already  found  it,  and,  throwing  the  others 
upon  the  table,  he  hastily  opened  the  one  from  his  wife  and 
read  it.  His  face,  which  until  then  had  been  so  stern  and 
gloomy,  gradually  assumed  a  milder  and  kindlier  expression. 

"Ah,  dear  Louisa,"  he  said,  when  he  had  read  it,  "how 
affectionately  she  writes,  how  she  is  yearning  for  me,  and  how 
well  she  knows  how  to  tell  me  of  the  King  of  Eome,  who  is 
constantly  inquiring  for  his  father,  and  every  night,  when  he 
goes  to  bed,  calls  aloud,  'Dear  papa  emperor  come  back  soon !'  " 

"A  call,  sire,  in  which,  I  am  satisfied,  all  France  joins," 
said  Maret,  quickly. 

"Ah!"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  contemptuously  shrugging 
his  shoulders,  "  I  know  well  that  France — that  even  my  mar- 
shals join  in  it,  not  from  any  devotion  to  myself,  but  because 
they  want  peace.  The  little  King  of  Kome,  however,  is  long- 
ing for  me,  and  the  empress,  too,  is  wishing  for  my  return, 
without  caring  much  whether  there  is  war  or  peace.  These 
two  love  me!  Ah,  what  a  happy  family  would  we  three  be 
if  a  lasting  peace  could  be  established!  lam  tired  of  war; 
like  all  of  you,  I  am  yearning  to  return  home,  and  to  enjoy 
a  little  the  fruits  of  our  numerous  victories." 

"Sire,"  said  Maret,  in  a  low,  entreating  voice,  "it  is  easy 
for  your  majesty  to  do  so,  and  to  restore  peace  to  Europe." 

"  Do  you  wish  also  to  join  in  the  nonsense  asserted  by  the 
fools?"  asked  Napoleon,  sharply.  "Always  the  same  air — 
the  same  strain!  You  at  least,  Maret,  ought  not  to  sing  it, 
for  you  alone  are  aware  of  the  proposals  and  negotiations  be- 
tween me  and  my  enemies,  and  should  know  that  it  does  not 
depend  on  me  alone  to  restore  peace,  but  that  I  shall,  perhaps, 
only  be  he  who  must  receive  it." 

"  Still,  sire,  a  few  concessions  on  the  part  of  your  majesty 
would  be  sufficient  to  bring  about  peace,"  Maret  ventured  to 
aay. 

"  What  do  you  mean?"  inquired  Napoleon,  whose  voice  now 


BAD  NEWS.  311 

assumed  an  angry  toue.  "  Do  you  intend  to  intimate,  by  your 
longing  for  concessions,  that  I  should  submit  to  the  disgrace- 
ful and  humiliating  terms  on  which  Austria  gives  me  hopes  of 
her  further  friendship  and  alliance?  She  dares  ask  of  me  the 
restoration  of  Illyria  and  the  territory  annexed  to  the  grand- 
duchy  of  Warsaw;  she  demands  for  Prussia  the  evacuation  of 
her  fortresses,  the  restitution  of  Dantzic,  and  the  restoration 
of  the  whole  sea-shore  of  Northern  Germany.  And  Austria, 
in  making  these  proposals  to  me,  in  her  equivocal  part  as 
mediator,  does  not  do  so  with  the  friendliness  of  an  ally,  but 
she  dares  to  threaten  me,  to  say  to  me,  'If  France  does  not 
accept,  Austria  will  be  obliged  to  side  with  the  enemies  of 
France,  and  make  common  cause  with  them.'  I  am  ready  to 
make  peace,  but  I  shall  die  sword  in  hand  rather  than  sign 
conditions  forced  upon  me.  I  will  negotiate,  but  will  not 
allow  them  to  dictate  laws  to  me."  * 

"  Sire,  none  would  dare  dictate  laws  to  your  majesty.  On 
the  contrary,  Austria  will  be  glad  if  you  merely  declare  that 
you  are  ready  to  negotiate,  and  she  will  not  have  much  to  ask. 
She  will  be  content  if  you  restore  Illyria  to  her ;  and  I  am 
convinced  of  it,  never  will  the  Emperor  Francis  ally  himself 
seriously  with  the  enemies  of  his  son-in-law." 

"But  the  Emperor  Francis  is  not  his  cabinet,"  exclaimed 
Napoleon.  "  I  might,  perhaps,  repose  confidence  in  the  per- 
sonal attachment  of  my  father-in-law,  but  this  could  not  blind 
me  to  the  policy  of  his  cabinet.  This  policy  never  changes. 
Treaties  of  alliance  and  marriages  may  somewhat  retard .  its 
course,  but  never  deflect  it.  Austria  never  renounces  what 
she  was  compelled  to  cede.  When  she  is  weaker  than  her 
enemy,  she  resorts  to  peace,  but  this  is  always  only  an  armis- 
tice for  her,  and,  in  signing  it,  she  thinks  of  a  new  war. 
Such  has  been  her  conduct  during  the  long  series  of  years 
during  which  I  have  been  fighting  and  negotiating  with  her. 
When  closely  pressed,  she  always  accepted  peace,  and  offered 
me  her  hand  for  the  conclusion  of  an  alliance ;  but  whenever 
a  reverse  befell  me,  she  withdrew  her  hand  and  broke  the 
alliance.  Now  believing  that  she  sees  her  own  interest,  she 
immediately  resumes  a  hostile  attitude  toward  me.  She  will 
open  the  passes  of  Bohemia  to  the  allies,  and  thereby  permit 
them  to  turn  the  positions  of  the  French  army,  attack  us  in 
the  rear,  and  cut  us  off  from  France.  In  a  word,  Austria  is 
unable  to  forget  any  thing !  She  will  remain  our  enemy,  not 

*  JJapoleoa's  words.— Vide  Beitzke,  vol.  i.,  p.  560. 


312          NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

only  so  long  as  she  has  losses  to  make  up,  but  so  long  as  the 
power  of  Prance  might  threaten  her  with  new  humiliations. 
This  instinct  of  jealousy  is  more  powerful  than  her  attach- 
ment; she  will  always  strive  to  aggrandize  herself  and  to 
weaken  France,  and  if  I  should  grant  her  Illyria  to-day,  she 
would,  perhaps,  to-morrow  claim  the  whole  of  Lombardy,  and 
her  former  provinces  in  the  Netherlands.*  Do  not  deceive 
yourself  about  it,  Maret,  and  do  not  think  that  Austria  wants 
peace  with  us  because  the  Emperor  Francis  is  my  father-in- 
law.  I  must  dictate  peace  to  them  sword  in  hand,  and  then 
they  will  hasten  to  remind  me  that  I  am  the  son-in-law  of  the 
emperor,  and  in  consideration  of  this  relationship  they  will 
ask  of  me  favorable  terms." 

"  But  this,  it  seems  to  me,  is  the  very  situation  in  which 
your  majesty  is  placed  now,"  exclaimed  Maret.  "Your  maj- 
esty has  recently  achieved  two  new  victories." 

"But  what  victories!"  said  Napoleon,  gloomily;  "they 
have  cost  me  as  many  soldiers  as  the  enemy,  and  procured  me 
no  advantages.  I  had  hoped  to  gain  many  trophies;  but  in 
the  battles  of  Lutzen  and  Bautzen  not  a  cannon,  not  a  flag, 
but  a  few  insignificant  prisoners  fell  into  our  hands.  After 
two  dreadful  massacres,  we  have  obtained  no  results  whatever 
— and  those  men  have  not  left  me  a  single  nail  to  pick  up.f 
They  are  no  longer  the  soldiers  of  Jena,  you  may  be  sure  of  it, 
Maret;  another  spirit  animates  them  and  their  commanders. 
The  Prussians  fought  like  lions  in  those  battles,  and  their 
commander,  General  Blucher,  is  like  a  chieftain  in  the  Illiad. 
He  is  at  the  same  time  a  general  and  a  private  soldier,  a  mad- 
cap and  a  Ulysses.  The  army  loves  him,  and  the  king  con- 
fides in  him.  He  hates  me,  and  has  an  excellent  memory  for 
his  defeats  of  Auerstadt  and  Lubeck,  and  wants  to  take 
revenge  for  them." 

"But  it  is  unnecessary  for  Eussia  to  take  revenge,"  said 
Maret. 

"Yes,"  murmured  Napoleon,  gloomily.  "On  her  snow- 
fields  I  lost  my  army,  and  perhaps  also  my  luck.  But,  no 
matter;  I  shall  struggle  on  to  the  end,  and  compel  Fortune  to 
become  again  my  friend,  that  I  may  do  without  other  allies. 
She  surely  owes  me  attachment  and  fidelity,  for  have  I  not 
again  paid  her  a  heavy  tribute?  was  it  not  necessary  for  me 
to  act  like  Polycrates  to  keep  out  of  bad  luck?  He  sacrificed 

*  Napoleon's  words. — Vide  "  The  Emperor  Francis  and  Metternich,'"  p.  60, 
t  Napoleon's  words.—  Constant,  vol.  v. 


BAD  NEWS.  313 

only  a  ring  to  the  gods,  while  I  sacrificed  two  friends  to  For- 
tune, and  one  of  them  my  best  friend — Duroc.  The  victory 
of  Lutzen  cost  me  Bessieres ;  that  of  Bautzen,  Duroc.  It  was 
a  heavy  sacrifice,  Maret ;  my  heart  is  still  bleeding  in  conse- 
quence of  it,  and  this  wound  will  never  heal." 

Maret  made  no  reply,  but  turned  his  head  aside,  and  his 
face  had  a  strange  expression  of  uneasiness  and  embarrassment. 

Napoleon  noticed  it,  and  slightly  shrugged  his  shoulders. 
"You  think  that  I  grow  sentimental,  duke,"  he  said, 
rudely,  "and  you  mean  that  my  long  military  experience 
should  have  rendered  me  insensible  to  such  accidents.  You 
are  right ;  let  us  refer  to  them  no  more.  Let  us  rather  read 
what  the  courier  has  brought." 

He  stretched  out  his  hand  for  the  other  letters,  and  took  up 
the  first  one  without  looking  at  it.  When  he  saw  the  super- 
scription, his  face  brightened,  and,  fixing  a  quick,  reproach- 
ful glance  upon  Maret,  he  said :  "  Fate  is  less  rigorous  than 
you  are,  Maret.  It  reminds  me  that  faithful  friends  still  re- 
main, and  that  all  the  companions  of  my  youth  are  not  yet 
dead.  There  is  a  letter  from  Junot !  He  is  one  of  my  faith- 
ful friends!"  Opening  it,  he  read  hastily,  and  his  face 
darkened.  "Maret,"  he  cried,  in  an  angry  voice,  "read — see 
what  Junot  dares  write  to  me!"  He  handed  the  letter  to 
Maret.  "Kead  it  aloud,"  he  cried,  "otherwise  I  shall  be 
afraid  lest  my  eyes  deceive  me,  and  I  mistake  his  words.  Not 
the  commencement,  but  the  last  page  is  what  I  want  to  hear." 

Maret  read  in  a  tremulous  voice:  "  'I,  who  love  your  maj- 
esty with  the  fervor  which  the  savage  feels  for  the  sun — I, 
who  belong  to  you  with  body  and  soul — must  tell  you  the 
truth;  and  this  is:  we  must  wage  an  eternal  war  for  you,  but 
I  will  do  so  no  more  !  I  want  peace !  I  want  at  length  to  be 
able  to  rest  my  weary  head  and  aching  limbs  in  my  house,  in 
the  midst  of  my  family,  to  enjoy  their  devotion,  and  no  longet 
to  be  a  stranger  to  them — to  enjoy  what  I  have  purchased  with 
a  treasure  that  is  more  precious  than  all  the  riches  of  India — 
with  my  blood,  with  the  blood  of  a  man  of  honor,  a  good 
Frenchman,  a  true  patriot.  Well,  then,  I  ask — I  demand — 
the  repose  that  I  have  purchased  by  twenty-two  years  of  active 
service,  and  by  seventeen  wounds,  from  which  my  blood  has 
welled,  first  for  my  country,  and  then  for  your  glory.  It  is 
enough ! — my  country  needs  repose,  and  your  glory  is  as 
radiant  as  the  sun.  I  repeat,  therefore,  I  want  peace.  I 
speak  in  the  name  of  all  your  marshals  and  generals,  in  the 
21 


314  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

name  of  your  army,  in  the  name  of  all  France:  ^ve  demand 
peace;  give  it  to  us,  then! — JUNOT,  Duke  d"1  A brantes. '  "  * 

"Well!"  inquired  Napoleon,  when  Maret  had  read  the  let- 
ter, "what  do  you  think  of  this  impudence?" 

"Sire,"  said  Maret,  in  a  low,  tremulous  voice,  "your  maj- 
esty knows  well  that  the  Duke  d'Abrantes  is  very  dangerously 
ill,  and  that  he  is  said  to  be  subject  to  frequent  fits  of 
insanity." 

"  It  is  true,  it  is  the  language  of  a  madman,  but  one  who 
knows  very  well  what  he  says.  For  he  is  right ;  he  dares  utter 
what  all  my  marshals  are  thinking,  and  gives  utterance  to 
their  thoughts,  because  he  imagines  that  my  friendship  for 
him  gives  him  that  right.  The  fool !  I  shall  prove  to  him 
that  I  am,  first  and  above  all,  the  emperor,  and  that  the  em- 
peror will,  without  regard  to  the  person,  punish  the  man  who 
is  so  audacious  as  to  threaten  him.  Oh,  I  am  glad  that  it  is 
Junot  who  has  made  himself  the  mouth-piece  of  my  generals 
and  marshals !  I  shall  punish  him  with  inexorable  rigor,  and 
that  will  silence  the  others  forever.  They  will  not  dare  that 
which  not  even  Junot  was  permitted  to  do  with  impunity; 
they  will  obey  when  my  first  anger  has  crushed  this  traitor 
Junot.  For  he  is  a  traitor,  a — " 

"Oh,  sire,  I  implore  you,  do  not  proceed!"  interposed 
Maret;  "have  mercy  upon  him  who  stands  already  before  a 
higher  Judge,  to  receive  his  sentence!" 

"What  do  you  mean?"  asked  Napoleon. 

"I  mean,  sire,"  replied  Maret,  solemnly,  "that  I  came  to 
bring  you  a  sad  message,  and  that  your  majesty,  therefore, 
just  now  did  me  injustice.  Sire,  when  you  deplored  the  death 
of  your  lamented  friend,  the  Duke  de  Frioul,  I  was  silent  and 
embarrassed,  not  because  I  deemed  such  regrets  unbecoming, 
but  because  I  was  filled  with  unbounded  grief  at  the  thought 
that  I  had  come  to  communicate  a  similar  affliction.  The 
courier  brought  me  also  a  letter  from  M.  Albert  de  Comminges, 
Junot's  brother-in-law.  He  requests  me  therein  to  inform 
your  majesty  of  a  melancholy  occurrence — the  Duke  d'Abran- 
tes is  dead!  Here  is  a  letter  from  M.  de  Comminges  to  your 
majesty." 

The  emperor  made  no  reply,  but  his  face,  which  generally 
seemed  immovable,  commenced  quivering,  and  his  lips  trem- 
bled. He  took  the  letter  in  silence,  and,  opening  it  with  a 
hasty  hand,  began  to  read  it.  But  suddenly  he  dropped  it, 

*  "Memoirs  of  the  Duchess  cTAbrantes, "  b.  xvi.,  p.  323. 


BAD  NEWS.  315 

and,  pressing  both  his  hands  to  his  forehead,  he  groaned 
aloud.  Then  he  quickly  stooped  down,  picked  up  the  letter 
and  read  it  through.  "Junot!"  he  then  cried  in  a  tone  of 
profound  woe — "Junot!"  He  crumpled  the  letter  in  his 
hands,  and,  with  an  expression  from  the  depths  of  his  heart, 
he  repeated,  "Junot!  Oh,  my  God,  Junot,  too!" 

At  this  moment  his  wandering  eye  fell  upon  Maret,  who 
was  gazing  at  him,  pale  and  filled  with  profound  compassion. 
Napoleon  started  and  concealed  the  tears  which  came  to  his 
eyes.  Before  an  observer  he  was  not  accustomed  to  show  him- 
self a  man  overcome  by  grief.  He  smiled,  but  with  an  inde- 
scribably mournful  expression,  and  said  in  a  firm  voice, 
"  Another  brave  soldier  gone !  The  third  victim  that  the  war 
has  required  of  me,  Maret!  It  takes  the  very  men  who  were 
indispensable  to  me,  because  they  set  so  shining  an  example  of 
bravery  and  fidelity  to  the  whole  army.  That  is  the  only 
reason  why  I  complain!" 

"Your  majesty  has  a  twofold  right  to  complain,"  said 
Maret,  in  his  calm  voice;  "Junot  loved  your  majesty  with  the 
obedience  of  a  servant,  the  submissiveness  of  a  child,  the  en- 
thusiasm of  a  pupil,  the  ardor  of  a  friend.  He  would  have 
gone  through  fire  for  you,  and  he  was  justified  in  saying  that 
he  loved  your  majesty  with  the  love  the  savage  feels  for  the 
sun.  Your  majesty  was  his  sun!" 

"Yes,  he  loved  me,"  said  Napoleon,  in  a  low  voice,  drop- 
ping his  head  on  his  breast,  "  and  I  could  count  upon  his 
fidelity.  We  had  spent  our  youth  together,  had  overcome  to- 
gether a  thousand  dangers,  and  courageously  braved  the  vicis- 
situdes of  fate.  His  star  had  risen  with  mine.  Will  not 
mine  sink  with  his?  Oh,  Junot,  how  could  you  leave  me 
now,  when  you  knew  that  I  stood  so  greatly  in  need  of  you  ? 
Junot,  this  is  the  first  time  that  you  desert  me,  and  forget 
your  plighted  faith.  I  am  on  the  eve  of  a  great  and  doubtful 
war,  surrounded  by  enemies — and  my  friends  are  deserting 
me  and  escaping  into  the  grave!"  He  paused,  bowing  his  head 
lower  upon  his  breast,  and  wrinkling  his  forehead  in  his 
grief.  A  sad  silence  ensued,  which  Maret  dared  not  interrupt 
by  a  motion  or  a  word.  At  length,  the  emperor  raised  his 
face  again,  resuming  his  usual  coldness  and  indifference. 
"  Maret,"  he  said,  in  a  firm  voice,  "  I  have  no  one  in  Illyria 
now,  since  Junot,  governor  of  that  province,  has  died.  I 
must  send  another  governor.  But  whom?" 

"Sire,  "said  Maret,  in  a  timid  voice,  "will  you  not  take 


319  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  proposals  of  Austria  into  consideration?  She  demands 
nothing  but  Illyria  as  the  price  of  her  alliance  and  friendship. 
Fate  itself  seems  to  give  us  a  sign  to  grant  this  demand,  for 
it  has  removed  the  governor  of  Illyria." 

"Fate!"  cried  Napoleon,  shrugging  his  shoulders,  "you 
only  acknowledge  its  hints  when  it  suits  your  purposes;  you 
deny  its  existence  when  it  would  seem  to  be  contrary  to  your 
wishes.  Fate  caused  the  governor  of  Illyria  to  die,  because, 
as  you  yourself  said,  he  was  subject  to  fits  of  insanity;  it  has 
thereby  given  me  an  opportunity  to  place  a  sensible  and  pru- 
dent man  in  Junot's  stead,  a  man  who  will  not  dare  tell  me 
such  impudent  things  as  you  read  to  me  from  his  letter.  Well, 
then,  I  will  obey  the  hint  of  Fate.  Write  immediately  to 
Fouche.  He  is  at  Naples ;  tell  him  to  set  out  at  once  and 
come  to  Dresden.  I  intend  to  appoint  him  governor  of  Illyria. 
Dispatch  a  courier  with  the  letter.  But  wait !  I  have  not 
yet  read  all  the  dispatches  brought  from  Paris." 

He  stepped  back  to  the  table,  and  took  one  of  the  letters 
from  it.  "A  letter  from  the  Duke  de  Rovigo,"  he  said,  in 
a  contemptuous  tone,  "from  the  police  minister  of  Paris! 
He  will  tell  me  a  great  many  stories ;  he  will  pretend  to  have 
seen  many  evil  spirits,  and,  after  all,  not  know  half  of  what 
he  ought  to  know,  and  what  Fouche  would  have  known  if  he 
still  held  that  position.  There,  read  it,  Maret,  and  commu- 
nicate the  most  important  passages  to  me."  He  threw  him- 
self into  the  chair  that  stood  in  front  of  his  desk,  and,  taking 
a  penknife,  commenced  whittling  the  wooden  side-arm,  while 
Maret  unfolded  the  dispatch  and  quickly  glanced  over  its 
contents. 

"Sire,"  he  said,  "this  dispatch  contains  surprising  news. 
It  speaks  of  a  new  enemy  who  might  rise  against  your  majesty. " 

"  Well,"  said  Napoleon,  who  was  just  cutting  a  large  splinter 
from  the  chair,  "  what  new  enemy  is  it?" 

"Sire,"  said  Maret,  shrugging  his  shoulders,  "it  is  Louis 
XVIII." 

Napoleon  started,  and  looked  at  his  minister  with  a  flash 
of  anger.  "What  do  you  mean?"  he  asked,  sternly.  "Who 
is  Louis  XVIII.?  Where  is  the  country  over  which  he 
rules?" 

"  Sire,  I  merely  intended  to  designate  the  brother  of  the 
unfortunate  King  Louis  XVI." 

"My  uncle!"  said  Napoleon,  with  a  proud  smile,  driving 
his  knife  again  into  the  back  of  the  chair.  "Well,  what 


BAD  NEWS.  317 

then?  Whereby  has  the  Count  de  Lille  surprised  the  world 
with  the  news  of  his  existence?" 

"  Sire,  by  a  proclamation  addressed  to  the  French,  and  in 
which  he  implores  them  to  return  to  their  legitimate  lord 
and  king,  making  them  many  promises,  which,  however,  do 
not  contain  any  thing  but  what  the  French  possess  already 
by  the  grace  of  your  majesty." 

Napoleon  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  Savary,  then,  has  at 
length  seen  a  copy  of  the  English  newspapers  which  published 
this  proclamation,"  he  said.  "I  read  it  several  weeks  ago." 

"  No,  sire,  it  seems  that  the  proclamation  has  not  only  ap- 
peared in  the  English  newspapers,  but  is  circulating  through- 
out France.  The  Duke  de  Rovigo  reports  that  secret  agents 
of  the  Count  de  Lille  are  actively  at  work  in  France.  They 
are  scattering  every  day  thousands  of  printed  copies  of  the 
proclamation  among  the  people.  They  are  circulated  at  night 
in  the  streets,  secretly  pushed  under  the  doors  into  the  houses 
and  rooms  so  that  the  police  agents  are  unable  to  take  them 
away.  These  copies,  it  appears,  are  printed  on  hand-presses, 
for  their  lines  are  often  irregular  and  slanting,  and  indicate 
an  unpractised  hand,  but  those  who  receive  them  try  to 
decipher  them,  and  deliver  them  to  the  police  only  after  hav- 
ing read  them."* 

Napoleon  said  nothing ;  he  was  still  whittling  the  back  of 
his  chair,  and  did  not  once  look  up  to  his  minister,  who 
stood  before  him  in  reverential  silence.  "  I  thought  I  had 
crushed  this  serpent  of  legitimacy  under  my  foot,"  he  mur- 
mured at  last  to  himself,  "  but  it  still  lives,  and  tries  again 
to  rise  against  me.  Ah,  I  despise  it,  and  I  have  reason  to  do 
so.  I  alone  am  now  the  legitimate  ruler  of  France ;  the  fifty 
battles  in  which  I  have  fought  and  conquered  for  France  are 
my  ancestors;  the  will  of  the  French  people  has  made  me 
emperor,  and  the  voice  of  all  the  sovereign  princes  of  Europe 
has  recognized  my  throne.  The  daughter  of  an  emperor  is 
my  partner;  and  the  King  of  Rome,  the  future  emperor  of 
the  French,  will  be  more  of  a  legitimate  ruler  than  any  other 
prince,  for  the  battles  of  his  father  and  the  ancestors  of  the 
Hapsburgs  form  his  pedigree.  Let  the  Count  de  Lille,  then, 
flood  France  with  copies  of  his  proclamation,  I  shall  in  the 
mean  time  win  battles  for  France,  and  with  the  bulletins  of 
my  victories  drive  his  proclamations  from  the  field.  I — " 

At  this  moment  the  door  opened,  and  Roustan's  black  face 

*  "  M6moires  clu  Due  Rovigo,"  vol.  vi.,  p.  351. 


318  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

looked  in.     "  Sire,  the  Duke  de  Vicenza  requests  an  audi- 
ence," he  said. 

"Caulaincourt!"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  surprised,  rising 
and  throwing  the  penknife  on  the  floor.  "  Caulaincourt ! 
Let  him  come  in!" 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

THE    TRAITORS. 

ROUSTAN  stepped  back,  and  the  imposing  form  of  the  Duke 
de  Vicenza  appeared  on  the  threshold.  The  emperor  hastily 
met  him  and  looked  at  him  with  a  keen,  piercing  glance. 
"Caulaincourt,"  he  exclaimed,  "whence  do  you  come,  and 
what  do  you  want  here?" 

"  Sire,"  said  the  duke,  gravely  and  solemnly,  "  I  come  from 
Prague,  whither  the  order  of  your  majesty  had  sent  me,  to 
attend  the  congress  and  to  conduct  the  negotiations  in  the 
name  of  your  majesty." 

"  These  negotiations  are  broken  off,  then,  as  you  have  come 
without  having  been  recalled?" 

"  No,  they  are  not  broken  off,  but  I  have  important  news 
to  communicate  to  your  majesty,  and  as  I  think  that  we  are 
served  best  when  serving  ourselves,  I  have  made  myself  the 
bearer  of  my  own  dispatches,  to  be  sure  that  they  reach  your 
majesty  in  time.  I  have  travelled  post-haste,  and  shall  return 
to  Prague  in  the  same  manner." 

"  Well,  then,  inform  me  of  the  contents  of  your  dispatches 
orally  and  quickly." 

"  Sire,  I  inform  your  majesty  that  the  Count  de  Metternich 
is  on  the  road  to  this  city  to  convey  to  you  the  ultimatum  of 
Austria." 

A  flash  of  anger  burst  from  the  emperor's  eyes.  "  He  dares 
meet  me!  does  he  not  fear  lest  I  crush  him  by  hurling  his 
duplicity  and  treachery  into  his  face?  For  I  know  that 
Austria  is  playing  a  double  game,  negotiating  at  the  same 
time  with  me  and  my  enemies." 

"But  it  is  still  in  the  power  of  your  majesty  to  attach 
Austria  to  France,  and  secure  a  continued  alliance  with  her," 
exclaimed  the  Duke  de  Vicenza.  "  This  is  the  reason  why  I 
have  hastened  hither :  to  implore  your  majesty  not  to  reject 
entirely,  in  the  first  outburst  of  your  anger,  the  proposals  of 


THE  TRAITORS.  319 

Austria,  however  inadmissible  they  may  appear  to  be.  I  left 
Vienna  simultaneously  with  Count  Metternich,  but  succeeded 
in  getting  somewhat  the  start  of  him ;  he  will  be  here  in  an 
hour,  and  I  have,  therefore,  time  enough  to  communicate  to 
your  majesty  important  news  which  I  learned  at  Prague  yes- 
terday, and  which  is  sufficiently  grave  to  influence  perhaps 
your  resolutions. " 

"  Speak !"  commanded  the  emperor,  throwing  himself  again 
into  the  chair,  and  taking,  for  want  of  a  penknife,  a  pair  of 
scissors  from  his  desk,  in  order  to  bore  the  back  of  the  chair 
with  it.  Speak!" 

"  In  the  first  place,  I  have  to  inform  your  majesty  that  the 
Emperor  of  Austria  has  left  Vienna  for  Castle  Gitschin,  in 
Bohemia,  and  that  an  interview  of  the  Emperor  Francis  with 
the  allied  monarchs  took  place  there  on  the  20th  of  June." 

"Ah,  the  first  step  to  open  hostility  has  been  taken,  then," 
cried  Napoleon. 

"This  interview,  however,  led  to  no  results,"  added  Cau- 
laincourt.  "  The  Emperor  Francis,  on  the  contrary,  declared 
emphatically  that  he  was  still  merely  a  mediator,  and  would 
consider  the  alliance  with  France  as  dissolved,  if  your  majesty 
should  reject  the  ultimatum  with  which  he  should  send  Met- 
ternich to  Dresden." 

"  That  is  the  equivocal  and  insidious  language  which  the 
Austrian  diplomacy  has  always  used,"  exclaimed  the  emperor, 
shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  They  want  to  keep  on  good  terms 
with  all,  in  order  to  succeed  in  being  the  friend  of  him  who 
is  victorious.  My  father-in-law,  it  seems,  has  learned  by 
heart,  and  recited  the  lesson  which  Metternich  taught  him. 
Proceed,  Caulaincourt. " 

"  Next,  I  have  to  inform  your  majesty  that  a  definite  treaty 
was  concluded  yesterday  between  Austria  and  the  allies.  It 
was  concluded  at  Reichenbach.  Austria  has  solemnly  engaged 
to  declare  war  against  you  if  you  refuse  to  accept  her  terms, 
the  last  she  would  send.  Besides,  Prussia  and  Russia  con- 
cluded a  treaty  with  England,  which  engaged  to  assist  both 
powers  with  money  and  materiel,  and  which,  in  return,  re- 
ceived the  promise  that  Hanover,  England's  possession  in 
Germany,  should  be  considerably  enlarged  at  the  end  of  the 
war,  and  that  new  territories  should  be  added  to  it." 

"  And  the  short-sighted  monarchs  have  been  foolish  enough 
to  grant  this  to  England!"  cried  Napoleon,  with  a  sneer. 
"  In  their  blind  hatred  against  me  they  grant  more  territory 


320  NAPOLEON   AND  BLUCHER. 

in  Germany  to  their  most  dangerous  enemy,  that  England 
may  spread  still  further  the  vast  net  of  her  egotism,  and  catch 
all  Germany  in  it,  flood  the  country  with  her  manufactured 
goods,  and  drive  the  commerce  of  the  continent  into  British 
hands!  Ah,  those  gentlemen  will  soon  perceive  what  a  mis- 
take they  have  committed  in  yielding  to  the  demands  of  those 
greedy  English  traders.  For  if  England  gives  money  instead 
of  asking  it,  she  must  have  a  great  many  substantial  advantages 
in  view,  and  these  she  can  obtain  only  at  the  expense  of  the 
German  sovereigns,  to  whom  she  will  furnish  subsidies  now. 
Are  you  through  with  your  news,  Caulaincourt?" 

"No,  sire,  I  have  still  something  to  add,"  said  the  Duke  of 
Vicenza,  in  a  melancholy  voice. 

The  emperor  looked  at  him  with  a  piercing  glance,  which 
seemed  to  fathom  the  depths  of  his  soul. 

"Speak!"  he  said,  quickly. 

"  Your  majesty  knows  that  the  crown  prince  of  Sweden, 
Bernadotte,  landed  with  his  army  at  Stralsund  on  the  20th 
of  May?" 

"  Yes,  I  do,"  said  Napoleon,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  My 
former  marshal,  who  acquired  in  my  service  a  name  and  some 
fame,  whom  I  permitted  to  accept  the  dignity  of  crown  prince 
of  Sweden  that  was  offered  him,  a  Frenchman,  had  the  mean- 
ness to  turn  his  arms  against  his  country,  and  ally  himself 
with  the  enemies  of  France.  But  still  it  seems  that  his 
courage  is  failing  him.  A  month  ago  he  disembarked  in 
Germany,  and  is  idle  with  his  troops  in  Mecklenburg.  He 
allowed  Hamburg  to  fall ;  he  did  nothing  to  save  Branden- 
burg, and  appears  ready  to  embark  again  for  Sweden.  Look- 
ing the  crime  of  treason  full  in  the  face,  he  was  unable  to 
bear  the  thought  of  it,  and  will  retreat  from  it  to  the  steps  of 
the  Swedish  throne." 

"No,  sire,"  said  Caulaincourt,  gravely,  "the  crown  prince 
of  Sweden  has  made  up  his  mind,  and  hesitates  no  longer. 
The  Emperor  Alexander  sent  an  envoy  to  Bernadotte,  and 
requested  of  him  an  interview  with  the  monarchs  of  Prussia 
and  Kussia,  for  the  purpose  of  concerting  with  them  a  joint 
plan  of  operations  for  the  campaign.  Bernadotte,  thanks  to 
the  persuasive  eloquence  of  the  Russian  envoy,  eagerly  ac- 
cepted this  invitation,  and  the  interview  is  to  take  place  on 
the  9th  of  July  at  Trachenberg,  in  Silesia.  The  crown  prince 
is  already  on  the  road  with  a  truly  royal  suite,  and  he  has 
been  solemnly  assured  that  the  sovereigns  will  receive  him 


THE  TRAITORS.  321 

at  Tracheuberg  with  all  the  honors  due  his  rank  as  a  sover- 
eign and  legitimate  prince.  The  envoy  of  the  Emperor  of 
Russia  is  accompanying^  Bernadotte  on  this  journey,  to 
strengthen  the  favorable  dispositions  of  the  crown  prince,  and 
render  him  at  once  an  active  and  energetic  member  of  the 
alliance." 

"Who  is  this  envoy  whom  Alexander  has  dispatched  to 
Bernadotte?"  asked  Napoleon. 

"  Sire,  it  is  Count  Pozzo  di  Borgo." 

"  Ah,  my  Corsican  countryman,  and  once  an  ardent  friend," 
exclaimed  Napoleon.  "  He  has  never  forgiven  me  for  not 
having  assisted  him,  the  enthusiastic  republican,  in  becoming 
King  of  Corsica,  but  having  left  France  in  possession  of  my 
native  country.  As  he  was  unable  to  become  a  king,  M. 
Pozzo  di  Borgo  entered  the  service  of  the  Czar  of  Eussia  to 
fight  against  me,  his  countryman,  with  the  power  of  his 
tongue,  as  my  other  countryman  with  the  arms  of  the  Swedes. 
Well,  I  think  it  will  not  do  the  allies  much  good  to  unite 
with  traitors  and  apostates,  and  to  look  for  assistance  against 
me  from  them.  I  gain  more  moral  weight  by  this  struggle 
against  traitors  than  my  enemies  by  their  support.  Berna- 
dotte's  treason  is  my  ally." 

"  Sire,  another  man  has  joined  the  traitor,  a  Frenchman, 
who  wants  to  fight  against  France,  against  his  emperor  and 
former  comrade." 

"  Still  another!     A  third  traitor!     Who  is  it?" 

"  Sire,  it  is  General  Moreau." 

"  What!  has  Moreau  returned  from  America?"  asked  Napo- 
leon, looking  up  quickly. 

"  Yes,  sire ;  he  has  left  the  banks  of  the  Delaware  to  fight 
against  his  country,  as  a  general  of  the  Emperor  of  Eussia." 

The  emperor  looked  thoughtfully,  and  suddenly  he  raised 
lis  eyes,  while  a  pleased  expression  lit  up  his  countenance. 

"My  enemies  assert  that  I  have  a  heart  of  iron,"  he  said, 
in  a  gentle  voice;  "  they  charge  me  with  being  insensible  to 
human  emotions — to  compassion,  friendship,  and  love.  WaP 
then,  I  could  have  had  Moreau  and  Bernauoue  ooth  killed ; 
they  were  in  my  power,  and  deserved  death.  Moreau  had 
entered  into  a  conspiracy  against  me  and  the  existing  laws  of 
our  country — a  conspiracy  whose  object  was  to  assassinate  me. 
1  believe  I  would  have  been  justified  if  I  had  made  him  feel 
the  rigor  of  my  laws,  and  expiate  his  murderous  intent  by 
death.  Bernadotte  disobeyed  my  orders  in  two  battles;  J 


322  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

would  have  been  justified  in  having  him  tried  by  a  court- 
martial,  which  would  certainly  have  passed  sentence  of  death 
upon  him.  I  permitted  Moreau  to  emigrate  to  America,  and 
indulge  his  republican  predilections  there  without  hinder- 
ance ;  and  Bernadotte  to  go  to  Sweden,  and  gratify  the  desires 
of  his  ambitious  heart.  I  pardoned  both  because  I  loved 
them.  They  now  reward  me  by  allying  themselves  with  my 
enemies.  This  is  all  right,  however,  for  I  have  placed  both 
under  heavy  obligations,  and  nothing  is  more  difficult  to  for- 
give than  benefits." 

"  Sire,  as  I  have  alluded  to  these  traitors,  I  must  mention 
still  another.  General  Jomini,  adjutant-general  of  Marshal 
Ney,  has  deserted  his  post  and  gone  over  to  the  camp  of  the 
allies  to  offer  his  services  to  the  sovereigns.  He  has  become 
a  member  of  the  Emperor  Alexander's  staff." 

"Well,"  cried  Napoleon,  with  the  semblance  of  unalloyed 
mirth,  "  the  world  and  posterity  will  have  to  pardon  me  now 
if  I  lose  a  few  battles  in  this  campaign,  for  those  who  are 
fighting  against  me  are  commanded  by  generals  who  have 
learned  the  art  of  war  from  me — pupils  of  mine.  I  must, 
therefore,  allow  them  to  gain  a  battle  or  two  to  prove  that  I 
am  a  good  teacher.  Besides,  Jomini  is  not  as  guilty  as 
Moreau  and  Bernadotte.  He  is  a  native  of  Switzerland,  and 
his  treason  is  aimed  only  at  myself,  and  not  at  his  country." 

"It  seems  such  is  Jomini's  excuse,  too,"  said  Caulaincourt, 
"  for  I  have  been  told  that  he  treated  General  Moreau  with 
surprising  coolness,  and  when  the  latter  offered  him  his  hand 
he  did  not  take  it,  but  withdrew  with  a  chilling  salutation. 
To  the  Emperor  Alexander,  who  rebuked  him  for  it,  he 
replied  that  he  would  gladly  welcome  General  Moreau  any- 
where else  than  at  the  camp  of  the  enemies  of  Moreau's  own 
country.  For  if  he,  Jomini,  were  a  native  of  France,  he 
tfould  assuredly  at  this  hour  not  be  at  the  camp  of  the 
Emperor  of  Russia." 

"  Ah !"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  "  I  am  convinced  that  mis- 
erable Jomini  imagines  that  he  acted  in  a  very  noble  and 
highly-dignified  manner.  A  traitor  who  is  ashamed  of  an- 
other traitor,  and  blushes  for  him!  Ah,  Caulaincourt,  what 
a  harrowing  spectacle!  These  acts  of  treachery  will  in  the 
end  make  me  unhappy !  *  For  does  not  Austria,  too,  wish  to 
betray  me?  Has  she  not  entered  into  an  alliance  with  me, 
and  does  she  not  now  wish  to  forsake  me  merely  because  she 

*  Napoleon's  words. — Constant's  "M6moires."  vol.  v.,  p.  845. 


THE  TRAITORS.  323 

imagines  that  it  would  be  more  advantageous  to  her  to  side 
with  my  enemies?  Austria  is  oscillating,  and  Metternich 
thinks  he  can  preserve  her  equilibrium  by  placing  Austrian 
promises  as  weights  now  into  this,  now  into  that  scale.  But 
the  cabinet  of  Vienna  deceives  itself.  Count  Metternich 
wants  his  intrigues  to  pass  for  policy,  while  the  whole  object 
of  Austria  is  to  recover  what  she  has  lost."  * 

At  this  moment  a  carriage  was  heard  to  roll  up  to  the 
palace  and  stop  close  under  the  windows  of  the  cabinet. 
Maret,  who,  during  the  conversation  between  Napoleon  and 
Caulaincourt,  had  retired  into  a  window-niche,  turned  and 
looked  out  into  the  street. 

"Sire,"  he  then  said,  quickly,  "Count  Metternich  has  ar- 
rived, and  already  entered  the  palace." 

"  Ah,  he  is  really  coming,  then!"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  with 
an  air  of  scornful  triumph ;  "  he  wishes  me  to  tear  the  mask 
from  his  smirking  face!  Well,  I  shall  comply  with  his 
wishes;  I,  at  least,  shall  not  dissemble,  nor  veil  my  real 
thoughts!  Austria  shall  learn  what  I  think  of  her!" 

The  door  opened,  and  Koustan  entered  again.  "Sire,"  he 
said,  "  his  excellency  Count  Metternich,  minister  plenipoten- 
tiary of  his  majesty  the  Emperor  of  Austria,  requests  an  audi- 
ence of  your  majesty." 

Napoleon  turned  his  head  slowly  toward  the  Dukes  de 
Vicenza  and  Bassano.  "Enter  the  cabinet  of  my  private 
secretary,  Fain,"  he  said.  "Leave  the  door  ajar;  I  want  you 
to  hear  all.  Fain,  if  he  pleases,  may  take  notes  of  this  in- 
terview, that  he  may  afterward  accurately  testify  to  it. 
Go!" 

The  two  gentlemen  bowed  in  silence  and  withdrew.  The 
emperor  gazed  after  them  until  they  disappeared  through  the 
door  of  the  cabinet;  then  turning  toward  Eoustan,  "  Let  him 
come  in,"  he  said,  with  a  quick  nod. 

A  few  minutes  afterward  the  slender  form,  and  the  hand- 
some, florid,  and  smiling  face  of  Count  Clement  de  Metter- 
nich appeared  on  the  threshold  of  the  imperial  cabinet. 

*  Napoleon's  words. — Fain,  "  Manuscrit  de  1813,"  vol.  L. 


324  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

CHAPTEK  XXXIV. 

NAPOLEON   AND   METTEENICH. 

THE  emperor  quickly  met  the  Austrian  minister,  but,  as  if 
restraining  himself,  he  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  room. 
Metternich  approached,  making  a  stiff,  solemn  bow,  and 
quickly  raised  his  head  again,  and  turning  his  fine  face,  from 
which  the  smile  did  not  vanish  for  a  moment,  toward  the 
emperor,  he  waited  in  respectful  silence  for  the  latter  to  ad- 
dress him.  Napoleon  cast  a  menacing  glance  of  hatred  upon 
him;  but  Metternich  did  not  seem  to  perceive  his  threat. 
He  fixed  his  large  blue  eyes  with  perfect  calmness  on  the  face 
of  the  emperor,  and  awaited  the  commencement  of  the  con- 
versation. 

The  emperor  felt  that  it  was  his  province  to  break  this 
silence.  "Well,  Metternich,"  he  said,  "you  are  here,  then! 
You  are  welcome !  But  answer  me,  without  circumlocution, 
What  do  you  want?" 

"  Sire,  Austria  wishes  me  to  mediate  a  peace  between  the 
Prussian  and  Eussian  allies  and  your  majesty." 

"Ah,  you  want  peace!"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  sarcastically. 
"But  why  so  late?  We  have  lost  nearly  a  month,  and  your 
mediation,  from  its  long  inactivity,  has  become  almost  hostile. 
It  appears  that  it  no  longer  suits  your  cabinet  to  guarantee 
the  integrity  of  the  French  empire?  Be  it  so;  but  why  had 
you  not  the  candor  to  make  me  acquainted  with  that  deter- 
mination at  an  earlier  period?  It  might  have  modified  my 
plans — perhaps  prevented  me  from  continuing  the  war." 

"  But  your  majesty  ought  graciously  to  remember  that,  for 
the  present,  there  is  no  question  of  Austria  and  her  wishes," 
said  Metternich,  calmly;  "that  Austria  is  merely  trying  to 
mediate  peace  between  your  majesty  and  the  sovereigns  of 
Eussia  and  Prussia." 

"Ah,  that  is  what  you  call  mediating,"  exclaimed  Napo- 
leon, sneeringly.  "  When  you  allowed  me  to  exhaust  myself 
by  new  efforts,  you  doubtless  little  calculated  on  such  rapid 
events  as  have  ensued.  I  have  gained,  nevertheless,  two 
battles;  my  enemies,  severely  weakened,  were  beginning  to 
waken  from  their  illusions,  when  suddenly  you  glided  among 
us,  and,  speaking  to  me  of  an  armistice  and  mediation,  you 


NAPOLEON  AND  METTERNICH.  325 

spoke  to  them  of  alliance  and  war.  But  for  your  pernicious 
intervention,  peace  would  have  been  at  this  moment  con- 
cluded between  the  allies  and  myself.  You  cannot  deny  that, 
since  she  has  assumed  the  office  of  mediator,  Austria  has 
not  only  ceased  to  be  my  ally,  but  is  becoming  my  enemy. 
You  were  about  to  declare  yourself  so  when  the  battle  of 
Lutzen  intervened,  and,  by  showing  you  the  necessity  of  aug- 
menting your  forces,  made  you  desirous  of  gaining  time. 
You  have  improved  your  opportunity,  and  now  you  have  your 
two  hundred  thousand  men  ready,  screened  by  the  Bohemian 
hills;  Schwartzenberg  commands  them ;  at  this  very  moment 
he  is  concentrating  them  in  my  rear;  and  it  is  because  you 
conceive  yourself  in  a  condition  to  dictate  the  law,  that  you 
pay  this  visit." 

"J3ire,  dictate!"  echoed  Metternich,  in  a  tone  of  dismay, 
but  with  a  strange  smile.  , 

"Yes,  dictate!"  repeated  Napoleon,  in  a  louder  voice. 
"  But  why  do  you  wish  to  dictate  to  me  alone?  Am  I,  then, 
no  longer  the  same  man  whom  you  defended  yesterday?  If 
you  are  an  honest  mediator,  why  do  you  not  at  least  treat 
both  sides  alike?  Say  nothing  in  reply,  for  I  see  through 
you,  Metternich:  your  cabinet  wishes  to  profit  by  my  embar- 
rassments, and  augment  them  as  much  as  possible,  in  order 
to  recover  a  portion  of  your  losses.  The  only  difficulty  you 
have  is,  whether  you  can  gain  your  object  without  fighting, 
or  throw  yourselves  boldly  among  the  combatants ;  you  do  not 
know  which  to  do,  and  possibly  you  come  to  seek  light  on 
the  subject.  Well,  then,  let  us  see!  Let  us  treat!  What 
do  you  wish?" 

"Sire,"  said  Metternich,  with  his  smiling  calmness,  which 
had  not  yielded  for  an  instant  to  the  storm  of  Napoleon's 
reproaches,  "  Austria  has  no  motives  of  self-interest.  The 
sole  advantage  which  the  Emperor  Francis  wishes  to  derive 
from  the  present  state  of  affairs  is  the  influence  which  a  spirit 
of  moderation,  and  a  respect  for  the  rights  of  independent 
states,  cannot  fail  to  acquire  from  those  who  are  animated 
with  similar  sentiments.  Austria  wishes  not  to  conquer,  but 
to  preserve. " 

"Speak  more  clearly,"  interrupted  the  emperor,  impa- 
tiently; "  but  do  not  forget  that  I  am  a  soldier." 

"  Your  majesty  has  taught  Europe  by  upward  of  fifty  bat- 
tles never  to  forget  that,"  said  Metternich,  with  a  pleasant 
nod.  "  Austria  wishes  to  wound  your  majesty  neither  as  a 


-326  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

soldier  nor  as  an  emperor.  She  simply  desires  to  establish  a 
state  of  things  which,  by  a  wise  distribution  of  power,  may 
place  the  guaranty  of  peace  under  the  protection  of  an  associ- 
ation of  independent  states." 

"Words,  words!"  cried  Napoleon,  impatiently.  "Words 
having  no  other  object  than  evasion,  veiling  your  own  de- 
signs !  But  I  mean  to  go  directly  to  the  object.  I  only  wish 
Austria  to  remain  neutral,  and  I  am  ready  to  make  sacrifices 
to  her  for  it.  My  army  is  amply  sufficient  to  bring  back  the 
Kussians  and  Prussians  to  reason.  All  that  I  ask  of  you  is  to 
withdraw  from  the  strife." 

"Ah,  sire,"  said  Metternich,  eagerly,  "why  should  your 
majesty  enter  singly  into  the  strife?  Why  should  you  not 
double  your  forces?  You  may  do  so,  sire!  It  depends  only 
on  you  to  add  our  forces  to  your  own.  Yes,  matters  have 
come  to  that  point  that  we  can  no  longer  remain  neutral ;  we 
must  be  either  for  or  against  you." 

The  emperor  bent  on  him  one  of  those  piercing  glances 
which  the  eagle  bends  upon  the  clouds  to  which  he  is  soaring, 
seeking  for  the  sun  behind  them.  "  And  which  would  be 
more  desirable  to  you,"  he  asked,  "to  be  for  or  against  me?" 

"  Ah,  sire,  the  Emperor  Francis  wishes  for  nothing  more 
ardently  than  that  the  state  of  affairs  should  enable  him  to 
be  for  France,  whose  emperor  is  his  son-in-law." 

"  But  my  father-in-law  imposes  conditions !  Pray,  tell  me 
what  they  are!"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  striding  up  and  down 
the  apartment,  while  Metternich  walked  by  his  side,  respect- 
fully holding  his  hat  in  his  hand. 

"  Tell  me  what  these  conditions  are!"  repeated  Napoleon. 

"Sire,  they  are  simply  these,"  said  Metternich,  in  a  bland 
tone.  "  During  the  late  decade  the  affairs  of  Europe  have 
been  disturbed  in  a  somewhat  violent  manner.  Austria  only 
wishes  to  have  the  equilibrium  of  Europe  reestablished,  and 
all  the  states  occupy  again  the  same  position  which  they  held 
prior  to  these  convulsions.  If  your  majesty  consents  to  con- 
tribute your  share  to  this  restoration,  Austria  in  return 
offers  to  France  her  lasting  alliance  and,  in  case  the  othei 
powers  should  pursue  a  hostile  course,  her  armed  assistance. 
Austria  wishes  to  make  no  conquests,  to  acquire  no  provinces, 
no  titles — she  is  animated  with  the  spirit  of  moderation.  Sh& 
demands  only  order,  justice,  and  equality  for  all,  and,  more- 
over, only  the  restoration  of  such  states  as  have  been  recog- 
nized for  centuries  as  members  of  the  general  confederacy  of 


NAPOLEON  AND  METTERNICH.  327 

European  states,  the  reconstruction  of  those  thrones  which 
have  existed  for  ages,  and  whose  rulers  have  a  legitimate 
right  to  their  sovereignty.  I  believe  your  majesty  cannot 
deny  that  the  Bourbons  have  a  well-founded  right  to  Spain, 
and  that  the  Spaniards  now,  by  the  blood  shed  in  their  heroic 
struggle,  have  established  their  right  to  restore  the  throne  to 
their  legitimate  rulers.  You  will  have  to  admit,  further, 
that  no  Christian  sovereign,  how  powerful  soever  he  may  be, 
has  a  right  to  overthrow  the  Holy  See  of  St.  Peter,  and  to 
keep  the  vicegerent  of  God  away  from  the  capital  which  all 
Christendom  has  so  long  recognized  as  his  own.  You  will 
have  to  admit,  too,  that  both  Lombardy  and  Illyria  have  long 
been  possessions  of  Austria,  and  that  Switzerland  has  been 
recognized  as  a  confederation  of  republics  by  all  the  powers  of 
Europe.  If  your  majesty  acknowledges  all  this,  and  con- 
sents to  restore  the  state  of  things  in  accordance  with  those 
well-established  rights,  it  only  remains  for  us  to  find  compen- 
sation for  the  three  powers  which  have  already  allied  them- 
selves against  you.  As  for  Prussia,  I  believe  a  portion  of 
Saxony  would  be  the  most  suitable  indemnity  for  her.  Rus- 
sia, I  suppose,  would  be  content  if,  after  the  dissolution  of 
the  duchy  of  Warsaw,  Poland  should  once  more  fall  to  her 
share,  and  England  demands  only  the  possession  of  a  few  for- 
tified places  and  safe  harbors  on  the  shores  of  Holland." 

The  emperor  uttered  a  cry  of  anger,  and,  suddenly  halting, 
cast  glances  on  Metternich  which  seemed  to  borrow  their  fire 
from  the  lightning.  "  Are  you  through  with  your  proposals, 
sir?"  he  asked,  in  a  threatening  tone. 

Metternich  bowed.     "Yes,  sire." 

"Well,  then,"  cried  the  emperor,  stepping  up  to  the  min- 
ister, "  to  all  this  I  respond  only  by  the  question :  How  much 
money  has  England  given  you  to  play  this  part?" 

At  this  question,  uttered  in  a  menacing  voice,  Metternich 
turned  pale,  the  smile  passed  from  his  lips,  his  brow  darkened, 
and  his  eyes,  usually  so  mild  and  pleasant,  kindled  with 
anger,  and  allowed  the  thoughts,  generally  concealed  in  the 
innermost  recesses  of  the  diplomatist's  heart,  to  burst  forth 
for  a  moment,  and  betray  hatred. 

"Ah,"  cried  Napoleon,  in  a  triumphant  tone,  "I  have  at 
length  torn  the  mask  from  your  smiling  features,  and  I  see 
that  a  serpent  is  hidden  under  them  as  under  roses.  It  would 
sting,  but  I  know  how  to  be  on  my  guard ;  I  will  never  grant 
Austria  the  right  to  insult,  dictate  to,  and  humiliate  me. 


328  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

I  will  compel  her,  as  I  have  done  so  often,  to  prostrate  herself 
in  the  dust  before  me,  and  ask  mercy  and  forbearance.  Do 
you  hear  what  I  say?  I  will  humiliate  Austria,  trampling  her 
in  the  dust."  The  emperor  violently  raised  his  clinched  fist, 
and  striking  it  downward  struck  Metternich's  hat,  which  the 
minister  still  held  in  his  hand,  and  caused  it  to  fall  to  the 
ground. 

The  emperor  paused  and  looked  at  Metternich,  as  if  to 
request  him  to  pick  up  the  hat.  But  the  latter  did  not  make 
the  slightest  movement.  His  thoughts  and  his  hatred  had 
already  retired  into  his  bosom ;  his  brow  was  serene  again, 
and  his  accustomed  smile  returned.  He  looked  first  at  the 
hat,  and  then  at  the  emperor,  who  followed  his  glances,  and 
met  them  sullenly  and  defiantly.  This  little  incident,  how- 
ever, seemed  to  have  dispelled  Napoleon's  anger,  or  at  least 
to  have  appeased  the  first  stormy  waves  of  the  sea.  "When  he 
spoke  again  his  tone  was  milder,  and  his  look  less  scorching, 
returning  from  time  to  time,  as  it  were  involuntarily,  to  the 
hat  lying  on  the  floor  a  few  steps  from  him.  He  commenced 
pacing  the  apartment  again  with  quick  steps.  Metternich 
followed  him,  only  with  somewhat  slackened  pace,  and  thus 
compelled  the  emperor  to  walk  a  little  slower. 

"Now,"  said  Napoleon,  ^oudly,  "I  know  what  you  want! 
Not  only  Illyria,  but  the  half  of  Italy,  the  return  of  the  pope 
to  Rome,  Poland,  and  the  abandonment  of  Spain,  Holland, 
and  Switzerland !  This  is  what  you  call  the  spirit  of  modera- 
tion !  You  are  intent  only  on  profiting  by  every  chance ;  you 
alternately  transport  your  alliance  from  one  camp  to  the  other, 
in  order  to  be  always  a  sharer  in  the  spoil,  and  you  speak  to 
me  of  your  respect  for  the  rights  of  independent  states! 
You  would  have  Italy ;  Eussia,  Poland ;  Prussia,  Saxony ;  and 
England,  Holland  and  Belgium :  in  fine,  peace  is  only  a  pre- 
text ;  you  are  all  intent  on  dismembering  the  French  empire ! 
And  Austria  thinks  she  has  only  to  declare  herself,  to  crown 
such  an  enterprise !  You  pretend  here,  with  a  stroke  of  the 
pen,  to  make  the  ramparts  of  Dantzic,  Custrin,  Glogau, 
Magdeburg,  Wesel,  Mentz,  Antwerp,  Alessandria,  Mantua,  in 
fine,  all  the  strong  places  of  Europe,  sink  before  you,  of  which  I 
did  not  obtain  possession  but  by  my  victorious  arms!  And 
I,  obedient  to  your  policy,  am  to  evacuate  Europe,  of  which  I 
still  hold  the  half ;  recall  my  legio:.s  across  the  Rhine,  the 
Alps,  and  the  Pyrenees;  subscribe  a  treaty  which  would  be 
nothing  but  a  vast  capitulation;  and  place  myself  at  the 


NAPOLEON  AND  METTERNICH.  32£ 

mercy  of  those  of  whom  I  am  at  this  moment  the  conqueror! 
It  is  when  my  standards  float  at  the  mouths  of  the  Vistula, 
and  on  the  banks  of  the  Oder ;  when  my  army  is  at  the  gates 
of  Berlin,  and  Breslau ;  when  I  am  at  the  head  of  three  hun- 
dred thousand  men,  that  Austria,  without  drawing  a  sword, 
expects  to  make  me  subscribe  such  conditions !  This  is  an 
insult,  and  it  is  my  father-in-law  that  has  matured  such  a 
project;  it  is  he  that  sends  you  on  such  a  mission!"  * 

While  thus  speaking,  the  emperor  was  still  walking,  and 
Metternich  by  his  side.  Whenever  they  passed  the  hat  lying 
on  the  floor,  Napoleon  cast  a  quick  side-glance  on  Metternich, 
who  appeared  to  take  no  notice  of  the  hat,  and  it  seemed 
entirely  accidental  that  he  slightly  wheeled  aside,  and  thus 
succeeded  in  passing  without  touching  it. 

"You,"  cried  Napoleon,  in  a  thundering  voice,  "have 
taken  upon  yourself  the  mission  of  insulting  me,  and  you 
think  I  will  quietly  submit?" 

"Sire,"  said  Metternich,  with  his  imperturbable  calmness, 
"  I  believe  you  have  already  punished  me  for  it!" 

Now  for  the  first  time  his  eyes  turned  significantly  toward 
his  hat,  and  then  fixed  themselves  steadfastly  on  the  emperor. 
They  did  not  dare  to  threaten,  but  they  defied  Napoleon. 
They  said :  "  You  have  insulted  me  by  knocking  my  hat  out 
of  my  hand.  I  will  not  pick  it  up,  but  demand  satisfaction." 

Possibly  Napoleon  understood  this  language,  for  a  smile, 
full  of  sarcasm  and  contempt,  played  around  his  lips,  and  he 
slightly  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  I  beg  you  to  consider,  besides,"  added  Metternich,  calmly, 
"  that  I  am  here  only  because  my  sovereign  has  commissioned 
and  ordered  me  to  repair  to  you,  and  that,  as  a  faithful  ser- 
vant, I  have  repeated  only  what  the  emperor  commanded  me." 

"Ah,"  cried  Napoleon,  with  a  harsh  laugh,  "you  wish  to 
make  me  believe  that  you  are  but  the  emperor's  echo?  Well, 
I  will  suppose  it  to  be  true.  Then  go  and  tell  your  master 
that  I  henceforth  decline  his  mediation,  and  that  nothing 
would  exasperate  me  more  than  the  idea  that  Austria,  in 
return  for  her  crimes  and  her  breach  of  faith,  should  reap  the 
best  fruits  and  become  the  pacificator  of  Europe.  Ask  the 
Emperor  Francis  in  what  position  he  intends  to  place  me  in 
regard  to  my  son?  Tell  him  he  is  entirely  mistaken  if  he 
believes  a  disgraced  throne  can  be  a  refuge  in  France  for  his 

*  This  whole  speech  contains  only  Napoleon's  words.— Vide  Fain,  "  Manuscrit  de 
1813,"  vol.  i. 

22 


330  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

daughter  and  grandson.*  That  is  my  reply  to  the  Emperor 
Francis.  Go!" 

Metternich  bowed;  considering  the  emperor's  words  equiv- 
alent to  his  dismissal,  he  turned  and  crossed  the  room.  His 
way  led  him  past  his  hat;  he  took  no  notice  of  it,  but  quietly 
walked  on  toward  the  door. 

"  He  does  not  wish  to  take  his  hat,"  thought  Napoleon. 

Metternich  reached  the  door,  turned  again  to  the  emperor, 
and  made  him  a  last  reverential  bow. 

"One  word  more,  Count  Metternich!"  cried  Napoleon. 
"  Come,  I  have  still  something  to  say  to  you." 

Metternich  blandly  nodded  assent  and  returned.  Napoleon 
commenced  again  pacing  the  room,  with  Metternich  by  his 
side.  The  emperor  now  directed  his  steps  in  such  a  manner 
that  he  himself  was  near  the  hat.  "  I  wish  to  prove  to  you, 
Metternich,"  said  Napoleon,  "that  I  have  seen  through  you, 
and  that  the  true  reason  of  your  coming  is  well  known  to  me. 
You  did  not  for  an  instant  believe  that  I  could  accept  these 
proposals,  which  would  dishonor  and  annihilate  me ;  you  know 
me  too  well  for  that ;  but  they  were  only  to  be  the  pretext  of 
the  real  wish  that  brought  you  hither.  To  be  able  to  ally 
yourself  in  a  seemingly  loyal  manner  with  my  enemies,  you 
want  to  get  rid  of  the  alliance  which  is  still  connecting 
Austria  with  France.  In  direct  contradiction  to  all  that 
Austria  has  hitherto  said  to  me,  you  wish  to  annul  the  treaty 
of  Paris.  Admit  that  this  is  the  case." 

The  emperor,  with  his  eyes  fixed  steadfastly  upon  Metter- 
nich, crossed  the  apartment.  Suddenly  seeming  to  find  an 
obstacle  in  his  way,  he  turned  his  eyes  toward  the  floor.  It 
was  Metternich's  hat,  which  his  foot  had  already  touched. 
As  if  merely  to  remove  the  obstruction,  he  stooped,  took  up  the 
hat,  and  threw  it  with  an  indifferent  and  careless  motion  on 
a  chair  near  the  door.  He  then  quietly  passed  on  and  fixed 
his  eyes  again  upon  Metternich.  f  "  Well,  reply  to  me — deny 
it  if  you  can!" 

"Sire,"  said  Metternich,  in  a  bland,  insinuating  voice,  "I 
had  already  the  honor  of  telling  you  that  matters  have  come 
to  that  point  that  we  can  no  longer  remain  neutral,  but  that 
we  can  take  up  arms  for  your  majesty,  only  if  you  consent  to 
grant  us  all  that  I  have  laid  before  you,  and — " 

*  Napoleon's  words. — Vide  Fain,  "Manuscrit  de  1813,"  vol.  i. 

t  Vide  "Memoires  de  la  Duchesse  d'Abrantes,"  vol.  xvi.,  p.  173.  There  is  another 
version  of  this  scene,  according  to  which  it  was  not  Metternich's,  but  the  emperor'p 
hat  that  fell  to  the  floor,— Vide  Hormayr,  "  I^ebensbilder,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  480, 


NAPOLEON  AND  METTERNICH.  331 

"No,"  interrupted  Napoleon,  proudly,  "do  not  repeat  the 
insult !  The  interview  is  ended.  I  know  what  you  desire, 
and  I  do  not  intend  to  disappoint  you !  I  will  not  be  a  dead 
weight  upon  my  friends,  nor  raise  the  slightest  objection  to 
the  abandonment  of  the  treaty  that  allies  me  with  Austria, 
if  such  be  the  wish  of  the  Emperor  Francis.  I  shall  to- 
morrow repeat  this  to  you  in  writing  and  in  due  form.  Now 
we  are  through — farewell!"  He  turned  his  back  on  Count 
Metternich,  with  a  quick  nod,  and  continued  his  way  across 
the  room. 

Metternich  cast  a  last  smiling  glance  on  him ;  went  with 
rapid,  soft  steps  to  the  chair,  took  his  hat  which'the  emperor 
had  picked  up,  hastened  across  the  room,  and  went  out  with- 
out a  word  or  a  bow. 

When  Napoleon  heard  him  close  the  door,  "  He  is  gone," 
he  murmured,  "  the  alliance  is  broken.  I  have  now  no  ally 
but  myself!"  For  a  moment  he  looked  melancholy,  and  then 
starting  glanced  at  the  small  door  leading  into  the  cabinet  of 
Baron  Fain,  his  private  secretary.  He  remembered  that  his 
two  dukes  were  there,  and  that  they  could  not  only  hear  but 
see  all.  Composing  his  agitated  face,  he  shouted  in  a  merry 
voice,  " Caulaincourt  and  Maret,  come  in!" 

The  door  opened  immediately;  the  Dukes  de  Bassano  and 
Vicenza  appeared  on  the  threshold  and  reentered  the  room. 
"  Well,  have  you  heard  every  thing?"  asked  Napoleon. 

"Yes,  sire." 

"  And  Fain?  has  he  taken  notes?" 

"  Sire,  he  has  written  down  every  thing  as  far  as  it  was  pos- 
sible, considering  the  rapidity  of  the  conversation."* 

"Ah,  I  shall  read  it  afterward,"  said  the  emperor;  "it  is 
always  good  to  know  in  what  manner  we  shall  be  recognized 
by  posterity.  Now,  gentlemen,  since  you  have  heard  all,  you 
understand  that  war  is  unavoidable,  and  that  Austria  will 
side  with  my  enemies." 

"  Sire,  we  have  heard  it,  and  it  has  filled  our  souls  with 
uneasiness  and  anxiety,"  said  Maret. 

"  Perhaps,  nevertheless,  a  compromise  may  still  be  possible," 
exclaimed  Caulaincourt.  "  The  armistice  has  not  yet  expired, 
and,  in  accordance  with  the  orders  of  your  majesty,  I  have 
already  made  the  necessary  overtures  for  prolonging  it  to  the 
15th  of  August." 

*Fain,  "Memoiresde  1813."  Fain  gives  a  full  account  of  this  interview,  and  I 
have  strictly  followed  his  narrative. 


332  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"It  will  be  prolonged,  you  may  depend  upon  it,"  said 
Napoleon,  "for  the  allies  need  time  for  completing  their 
preparations.  We  shall  have  an  armistice  to  that  time,  but 
then  war  will  break  out  anew,  and  it  will  be  terrible.  I  shall 
not  indeed  wage  it  as  emperor,  but  as  General  Bonaparte."  * 

"Oh,  sire,"  sighed  Maret,  "the  whole  world  is  longing  for 
peace,  and  France,  too,  entertains  no  more  ardent  wish.  I 
have  received  many  unmistakable  intimations  in  regard  to  it. 
Paris  is  not  only  hoping  for  peace,  but  expecting  it  confi- 
dently, after  the  two  victories  by  which  your  majesty  has 
humiliated  your  enemies." 

"  Paris  is  fery  badly  informed  if  she  thinks  peace  to  depend 
upon  me,"  replied  Napoleon,  indignantly.  "You  see  how 
greedily  Austria  augments  the  demands  of  my  enemies,  by 
placing  herself  at  their  head.  We  were  always  obliged  to 
conquer  peace.  Very  well,  we  will  conquer  it  again.  The 
armistice  will  be  prolonged  to  the  15th  of  August — time 
enough  to  complete,  on  our  side,  all  necessary  preparations, 
and  decree  a  new  conscription.  But  then,  after  the  armistice, 
war — a  decisive,  bloody  war — a  war  that  will  lead  to  an  hon- 
orable peace !  Believe  me,  he  who  has  always  dictated  peace 
cannot  submit  to  it  with  impunity.  Courage,  therefore! 
France  wants  peace,  and  so  do  I,  but  my  cannon  shall  dictate 
the  terms,  and  my  sword  write  them!"  f 

*  Napoleon's  words. 

t  Napoleon's  words.— Vide  "  MSmoires  du  Due  de  Rorigo,"  vol.  ii. 


DELIVERANCE  OF  GERMANY. 


CHAPTER   XXXV. 

ON  THE   KATZBACH. 

THE  armistice  expired  on  the  15th  of  August,  and  hos- 
tilities were  resumed.  The  state  of  affairs,  however,  was  es- 
sentially different  from  what  it  was  at  the  commencement  of 
the  armistice;  for,  at  that  time,  Napoleon  had  just  obtained 
two  victories.  During  the  armistice,  the  allies  had  won  an 
important  victory  over  him ;  they  had  gained  Austria  over  to 
their  side,  and  now,  at  the  renewal  of  hostilities,  Austria 
reenforced  the  allies  with  two  hundred  thousand  men.  For 
nearly  fourteen  years  Napoleon  was  invariably  the  more 
powerful  enemy,  not  only  on  account  of  his  military  genius, 
but  of  the  numerical  strength  and  excellent  organization  of 
his  forces. 

For  the  first  time  the  enemy  opposed  him  with  superior 
forces,  and  this  vast  host  struggled,  moreover,  with  the 
utmost  enthusiasm  for  the  deliverance  of  the  fatherland — 
with  the  energy  of  hatred  and  wrath  against  him  who  had 
so  long  enslaved  and  oppressed  it.  But  Napoleon  still  pos- 
sessed his  grand  military  genius.  Soon  after  the  expiration 
of  the  armistice,  he  gained  a  new  victory  over  the  allies,  that 
of  Dresden;*  and  in  this  battle  Moreau,  the  French  general, 
who  was  fighting  against  his  own  countrymen,  was  struck  by 
a  French  ball,  which  caused  his  death  in  a  few  days.  But 
the  allies  took  their  revenge  for  the  defeat  of  Dresden  in  the 
great  victory  of  Culm,  where  they,  also  after  a  two  days'  bat- 
tle, achieved  a  brilliant  triumph  over  General  Vandamme. 

General  Blucher  and  his  Silesian  army  had  not  participated 
in  these  battles.  At  the  time  when  the  Russians,  the  Aus- 
trians,  and  a  part  of  the  Prussians,  were  fighting  and  yielding 

*  The  battle  of  Dresden  lasted  two  days,  the  26th  and  27th  of  August.  Moreau 
died  on  the  2d  of  September,  and  the  battle  of  Culm  was  fought  on  the  29th  and  30th 
of  August. 


334  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

at  Dresden,  Blucher  was  at  length  to  attain  his  object,  and 
meet  the  enemy  in  a  pitched  battle.  Since  the  20th  of 
August  he  stood  near  Jauer  with  his  army,  which  was  ninety 
thousand  strong,  composed  of  Russians  and  Prussians,  and 
awaited  nothing  more  ardently  than  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  in  order  to  fight  a  general  battle.  Fortune  seemed 
to  favor  his  wishes,  for  Napoleon  himself  was  advancing.  On 
the  21st  of  August  the  scouts  reported  the  approach  of  the 
hostile  columns,  who  had  crossed  the  Bober  at  Lowenberg. 
Blucher's  eyes  lit  up  with  delight;  he  stroked  his  white  mus- 
tache, and  said:  "We  shall  have  a  fight!  To-morrow  we 
meet  the  French!" 

But  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  August  dawned,  and  the 
eyes  of  the  general  were  still  unable  to  descry  the  advancing 
enemy.  Yet  his  scouts  reported  that  the  French  army  was 
advancing,  and  that  only  a  detachment  had  set  out  for  Dres- 
den. "  Then  Bonaparte  has  left  with  this  detachment," 
grumbled  Blucher;  "for  if  he  were  still  with  them,  the 
French  would  not  creep  along  like  snails." 

At  length,  on  the  26th  of  August,  the  general's  wishes 
seemed  to  be  near  fulfilment.  The  French  were  advancing. 
They  approached  the  banks  of  the  Katzbach,  to  the  other 
side  of  which  the  Silesian  army  was  moving.  "We  shall 
have  a  fight!"  shouted  General  Blucher,  exultingly;  "the 
good  God  will  have  mercy  on  me  after  all,  and  treat  me  to  a 
good  breakfast !  I  have  been  hungering  for  the  French  so 
long,  that  I  really  thought  I  should  die  of  starvation.  I  shall 
furnish  the  roast ;  and,  that  there  may  be  something  to  drink, 
the  rain  is  pouring  down  from  heaven  as  though  all  the  little 
angels  on  high  were  weeping  for  joy  because  they  are  to  have 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  old  Blucher  at  work ! — Glorious  hosts 
in  heaven!"  added  Blucher,  casting  a  glance  at  the  leaden 
sky,  "  now  do  me  only  the  favor  to  put  an  end  to  your  weep- 
ing, and  do  not  give  us  too  much  of  a  good  thing.  Pray  re- 
member  that  you  put  under  water  not  only  the  enemy,  but 
ourselves,  your  friends.  Do  not  soften  the  soil  too  much, 
else  not  only  the  French  will  stick  in  the  mud,  but  ourselves, 
your  chosen  lifeguard!" 

But  "  the  little  angels  on  high  "  poured  down  their  "  tears 
of  joy  "  in  incessant  torrents  from  early  dawn.  It  was  one  of 
those  continuous  rains  from  a  dull  gray  sky,  giving  little  hope 
of  fine  weather  for  many  days.  The  soil  was  softened,  the 
mountain-torrents  swollen,  and  vast  masses  of  water  foamed 


ON  THE  KATZBACH.  335 

into  the  Katzbach,  so  that  this  peaceful  little  stream  seemed 
a  furious  river.  A  violent  norther  was  blowing,  and  driving 
the  rain  into  the  faces  of  the  soldiers,  drenching  their  uni- 
forms, penetrating  the  muskets,  and  moistening  the  powder. 

"  Well,  if  the  boys  cannot  shoot  to-day,  they  will  have  to 
club  their  muskets,"  said  Blucher,  cheerfully,  when  he  and 
his  suite  rode  out  of  Bolhvitzhof,  his  headquarters,  to  recon- 
noitre the  position  of  the  French. 

But  the  wind  and  rain  rendered  a  reconnoissance  a  matter 
of  impossibility.  The  enemy  was  nowhere  to  be  seen,  but 
still  the  dull  noise  of  rumbling  cannon  and  trotting  horses 
was  heard  at  a  distance,  and  the  patrols  reported  that  they 
had  seen  the  foe  approaching  the  Katzbach  in  heavy  columns ; 
not,  however,  on  the  other  bank,  but  on  this  side.  At  this 
moment  General  Gneisenau  came  up  at  a  full  gallop.  He 
had  gone  out  toward  the  pickets  to  reconnoitre,  and  came 
back  to  report  that  the  French  were  forming- in  line  of  battle 
at  a  short  distance  on  the  plateau  near  Eichholz,  and  that 
they  had  crossed  to  the  right  side  of  the  Katzbach. 

"Right  or  left,"  said  Blucher,  "it  is  all  the  same  to  me, 
provided  we  have  them.  If  they  have  already  crossed  the 
river,  well  then  they  know  the  road,  and  will  be  better  able 
to  find  their  way  back.  Let  us  allow  them  to  cross,  until 
there  are  enough  of  them  on  this  side."  Then,  turning  with 
noble  dignity  toward  his  officers,  he  added,  in  an  entirely 
changed,  grave,  and  measured  tone :  "  Gentlemen,  the  battle 
will  commence  in  a  few  hours.  Promptness  and  good  order 
are  of  vital  importance  now. — The  orderlies!" 

The  orderlies  hastened  to  him.  "  You  will  ride  to  General 
York,  who  is  occupying  the  plateau  of  Eichholz,  and  tell  him 
to  allow  as  many  French  as  he  thinks  he  can  beat  to  march 
up  the  ascent,  and  then  he  is  to  charge  them!"  shouted 
Blucher  to  the  first  orderly,  and,  while  he  sped  away  at  a 
furious  gallop,  the  general  turned  to  the  second.  "  You  will 
hasten  to  General  von  Sacken  and  tell  him  that  it  is  time  for 
attacking  the  French! — And  we,  gentlemen,"  he  added,  ad- 
dressing his  staff,  "  will  place  ourselves  at  the  head  of  our 
troops.  The  soldiers  must  have  their  meals  cooked  by  two 
o'clock ;  all  the  columns  will  then  commence  moving.  When 
the  enemy  falls  back,  I  expect,  above  all,  the  cavalry  to  do 
their  duty,  and  to  act  with  great  courage.  The  foe  must  find 
out,  that  on  retreating  he  cannot  get  out  of  our  hands  unhurt. 
And  now,  forward!  The  battle  begins  at  two  o'clock!"  He 


336  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

spurred  his  horse,  and  galloped  again  toward  the  troops. 
With  a  serene  face  and  joyful  eyes  he  rode  along  the  front. 
"Boys,"  he  shouted,  "cook  your  dinners  quickly,  do  not 
burn  your  mouths,  and  do  not  eat  your  soup  too  hot;  but 
when  you  have  eaten  it,  then  it  is  time  for  cookinej  a  whip- 
ping soup  for  the  French." 

"Yes,  Father  Blucher,  we  will  cook  it  for  them!"  shouted 
the  soldiers. 

"  I  am  afraid  that  soup  won't  agree  with  the  French,"  said 
Blucher,  with  a  humorous  wink.  "  Blue-bean  soup  is  hard 
to  digest.  But  they  will  have  to  swallow  it,  whether  they 
like  it  or  not,  won't  they?" 

"Yes,  they  will!"  laughed  the  soldiers;  and  Blucher  gal- 
loped over  to  the  other  regiments,  to  fire  their  hearts  by 
similar  greetings. 

It  was  two  o'clock !  "Boys,  the  fun  will  commence  now!" 
shouted  Blucher's  powerful  voice.  "Now  I  have  French 
soldiers  enough  on  this  side  of  the  river.  Forward !" 

Forward  they  went,  at  a  double-quick,  directly  at  the 
French.  The  cannon  boomed,  the  musketry  rattled ;  but  the 
rain  soon  silenced  the  latter. 

"Boys,"  shouted  Major  von  Othegraven  to  his  battalion  of 
the  Brandenburg  regiment,  "  if  we  cannot  shoot  them,  we 
can  club  them!"  And  amid  loud  cheers  the  soldiers  turned 
their  muskets,  and  struck  their  enemies  with  the  butts.  A 
terrible  hand-to-hand  struggle  ensued — howls  of  pain,  dread- 
ful abuse  and  imprecations  burst  from  both  sides;  but  at 
length  they  ceased  on  this  part  of  the  field:  the  Brandenburg 
soldiers  had  killed  a  whole  French  battalion  with  the  stocks 
of  their  muskets !  * 

The  battle  raged  on  amid  the  terrible  storm  beating  on  the 
combatants.  The  wind  blew  violently,  and  the  rain  descended 
in  torrents.  The  men  sank  ankle-deep  in  the  softened  soil, 
but  "Forward!"  sounded  the  battle-cry,  and  the  soldiers  left 
their  shoes  in  the  mud,  rushing  in  their  socks  or  bare-footed 
on  the  enemy,  who  fought  with  lion-hearted  courage,  here 
receding  and  there  advancing. 

"Father  Blucher,  we  are  doing  well  to-day!"  shouted  the 
soldiers  to  their  chieftain,  galloping  up  to  the  infantry. 

"Yes,  we  are  doing  well,"  cried  Blucher;  "but  wait,  boys 
— we  shall  do  still  better!" 

At  this  moment  the  artillery  boomed  from  the  other  side. 

*Beitzke,  vol.  ii.,  p.  304 


ON  THE  KATZBACH.  337 

Two  officers  galloped  up  to  Blucher.  One  was  the  orderly  he 
had  sent  to  General  von  Sacken. 

"What  reply  did  General  von  Sacken  make?"  shouted 
Blucher. 

"  'Eeply  to  the  general,  "  Hurrah!"  '  *  was  all  he  said,  your 
excellency." 

"A  splendid  comrade!"  cried  Blucher,  merrily. 

"  General,"  said  the  second  officer,  in  an  undertone,  "I 
beg  leave  to  make  a  communication  in  private." 

"In  private?  No  communications  will  be  made  in  private 
to-day,"  replied  Blucher,  shaking  his  head;  "  my  staff-officers 
must  hear  every  thing."  And  he  beckoned  to  his  aides  and 
officers  to  come  closer  to  him. 

"  Your  excellency  then  commands  me  to  utter  aloud  what 
I  have  to  say?" 

"  Well,  speak  directly,  and,  if  you  like,  so  loudly  that  the 
French  will  hear,  too!" 

"  Well,  then,  general,  I  have  to  tell  you  that  no  time  is  to 
be  lost,  and  that  we  must  hasten  to  advance,  for  the  Emperor 
Napoleon  himself  is  coming  up  at  the  head  of  his  troops;  he 
is  already  in  the  rear  of  your  excellency," 

"Ah,"  inquired  Blucher,  with  perfect  composure,  "is  the 
Emperor  Napoleon  in  my  rear?  Well,  I  am  glad  of  it;  then 
he  is  able  to  do  me  a  great  favor."  He  turned  his  eyes  again 
toward  the  battle  array  with  a  defiant  smile,  as  if  confident  of 
final  victory. 

The  victory  was  not  decided,  although  the  murderous 
struggle  had  lasted  already  an  hour.  Marshal  Macdonald 
constantly  moved  up  fresh  troops,  and  Blucher  had  sufficient 
reserves  to  meet  them.  Here  the  Prussians  gave  way,  and 
there  the  French.  From  the  right  wing  of  the  Prussian  army 
orderlies  informed  General  Blucher  that  General  York,  with 
his  troops,  had  repulsed  the  enemy,  and  was  advancing  vic- 
toriously ;  messengers  hastened  to  him  from  the  left  wing,  and 
told  him  that  General  Langeron  was  about  to  fall  back,  that 
the  Prussian  cavalry  were  retreating,  and  the  French  cavalry 
approaching  in  dense  masses,  and  that  the  Prussian  batteries 
were  in  imminent  danger  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy. 

Blucher  uttered  an  oath — a  single  savage  oath;  then  he 
turned  his  head  aside  and  shouted,  "Hennemann!  pipe- 
master!" 

*Beitzke,  vol.  ii.,  p.  801. 


338  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Christian  Hennemann  galloped  up  immediately.  He  was 
in  full  hussar-uniform,  but  did  not  belong  to  the  ranks;  he 
was  in  the  suite  of  his  general,  and  had  to  be  constantly  near 
him.  On  the  pommel  of  his  saddle  was  a  long  iron  box,  and 
in  his  mouth  a  short  clay  pipe.  "  General,  here  I  am!" 

"  Give  me  a  short  pipe,  for  now  we  charge  the  enemy!" 

Hennemann  took  the  pipe  from  his  mouth,  handed  it  to 
the  general,  and  said,  with  the  utmost  equanimity:  "  Here  it 
is!  It  has  been  burning  some  time  already,  and  I  began  to 
think  the  general  had  entirely  forgotten  the  pipe  and  myself." 

Blucher  put  the  pipe  into  his  mouth.  At  this  moment  a 
Brandenburg  regiment  of  lancers  galloped  up,  headed  by 
Major  von  Katzeler,  Blucher's  former  adjutant  "We  are 
going  to  assist  our  men!"  shouted  Katzeler,  saluting  the  gen- 
eral with  his  sword. 

"  AVe  are  moving  to  the  relief  of  our  comrades!"  cried  a 
captain  of  hussars,  thundering  up  at  the  head  of  his  regiment. 

"  Very  well !"  said  Blucher.  "  God  bless  me.  I  must  go 
with  them  !  I  can  stand  it  no  longer!"  Drawing  his  sword, 
he  galloped  with  the  courage  and  ardor  of  a  youth  to  the  head 
of  the  column  of  hussars,  who  received  him  with  deafening 
cheers.  The  bugles  sounded,  and  forward  sped  Blucher  at  an 
impetuous  gallop. 

Suddenly  some  one  shouted  by  his  side:  "General!  gen- 
eral!" It  was  the  pipe-master.  Blucher,  looking  at  him 
with  eyes  flashing  with  anger,  said :  "  Begone !  Ride  to  the 
rear!" 

"God  forbid!"  said  Hennemann,  composedly;  "here  is  my 
place;  did  not  the  general  order  me  always  to  remain  near 
him  and  hold  a  short  pipe  in  readiness?  Well,  I  am  near, 
and  the  pipe  is  ready." 

"  I  do  not  want  it  now,  Christian ;  we  are  about  to  charge 
the  enemy.  To  the  rear,  pipe-master!" 

"  I  cannot  think  of  it,  general ;  no  one  is  at  liberty  to  desert 
his  post,  as  you  told  me  yourself,"  cried  Hennemann.  "I 
am  at  my  post,  and  will  not  allow  myself  to  be  driven  from 
it.  You  will  soon  enough  need  me." 

"Forward!"  cried  the  general.  And  amid  loud  cheers  the 
hussars  rushed  upon  the  enemy,  Blucher  fighting  at  their 
head,  brandishing  his  sword  with  the  utmost  delight,  forcing 
back  the  enemy,  and  wresting  from  him  the  advantages  he 
had  already  gained.  The  French  being  driven  back,  Blucher 
suddenly  commanded  a  halt. 


'MARSHAL  FORWARD"  LEADING  THE  HUSSARS. 


BLUCHER  AS  A  WRITER.  339 

"Boys!"  he  shouted,  in  a  clarion  voice,  "this  is  a  butchery 
to-day ;  let  us  stop  a  moment,  take  a  drink,  and  fill  our  pipes. 
— Pipe-master,  my  pipe!" 

"  Did  I  not  say  that  you  would  soon  need  me?"  asked  Hen- 
nemann,  in  a  triumphant  voice.  "  Here  is  your  pipe,  general !" 

When  the  horses  had  taken  breath,  and  the  bold  hussars  a 
drink,  and  filled  their  pipes,  the  general's  voice  was  again 
heard :  "  Forward  in  God's  name! — we  shall  soon  be  done  with 
the  French!" 

Toward  dusk  the  battle  was  decided.  In  wild  disorder  fled 
the  enemy,  delayed  by  the  softened  soil,  blinded  by  the  rain, 
and  obstructed  by  the  Katzbach  and  the  Neisse,  with  their 
roaring  waters  swelling  every  moment.  In  hot  pursuit  was 
the  exultant  victor,  thundering  with  his  cannon,  and  hurling 
death  into  the  ranks  of  the  fugitives.  Field-pieces  were 
planted  on  the  banks  of  those  streams,  and  when  the  French 
approached,  they  were  greeted  with  fearful  volleys.  Turning 
in  dismay,  flashing  swords  and  bayonets  menaced  them.  PiJes 
of  dead  were  lying  on  the  banks  of  the  Katzbach ;  thousands 
of  corpses  were  floating  down  the  foaming  waters,  showing  to 
Silesia  the  bloody  trophies  of  battle,  and  that  Blucher  had  at 
length  taken  revenge  upon  his  adversary.  At  seven  o'clock 
in  the  evening  all  was  still.  On  all  sides  the  French  had  fled. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

BLUCHER  AS  A   WRITER. 

DARKNESS  came,  and  the  rain  continued.  The  "  dear  little 
angels  in  heaven,"  who,  as  Blucher  said  in  the  morning,  wept 
for  joy  at  the  prospect  of  a  fight,  were  now  perhaps  shedding 
tears  of  grief  at  the  many  thousands  lying  on  the  battle-field 
with  gaping  wounds,  and  whose  last  sighs  were  borne  away 
on  the  stormy  wind  of  the  night. 

Blucher  rode  across  the  field  toward  his  headquarters;  no 
one  was  by  his  side  but  his  friend,  General  Gneisenau,  and, 
at  some  distance  behind  them,  Christian  Hennemann,  hold- 
ing a  burning  pipe  in  his  mouth.  Absorbed  in  deep  reflec- 
tions, they  were  riding  along  the  dreadful  road  strewed  with 
dead  and  wounded  soldiers,  and  through  pools  of  blood.  Even 
Blucher  felt  exhausted  after  the  day's  work;  his  joy  was  sup- 
pressed by  the  incessant  rain  that  had  drenched  his  clothes, 


340  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

and  by  the  groans  of  the  dying,  which  rent  his  ears  and  filled 
his  soul  with  compassion.  But  soon  overcoming  his  sadness, 
he  turned  toward  Gneisenau.  "Well,"  he  said,  "this  battle 
we  have  gained,  and  all  the  world  will  have  to  admit  it;  now 
let  us  think  what  we  may  put  into  our  bulletin  to  tell  the 
people  how  we  have  gained  it.  For  ten  years  past  Bonaparte 
has  issued  such  high-sounding  accounts  of  his  victories  that 
I  always  felt  in  my  anger  as  though  my  heart  were  a  bomb- 
shell ready  to  burst.  Well,  this  time,  let  us  also  draw  up 
such  a  bulletin  of  victory,  and  show  that  we  have  learned 
something.  Let  us  proclaim  that  we  have  conquered,  and 
draw  up  the  document  as  soon  as  we  arrive  at  Brechtelshof . " 

"General,  you  will  have  to  decide  the  name  of  the  battle," 
said  Gneisenau.  "How  is  it  to  be  known  in  history?" 

"Yes,  that  is  true,"  said  Blucher,  thoughtfully,  "it  must 
have  a  name.  AVell,  propose  one,  Gneisenau!" 

"  We  might  call  it  the  battle  of  Brechtelshof,  because  the 
headquarters  of  our  brave  chieftain,  our  Father  Blucher,  are 
at  that  place,"  said  Gneisenau,  in  a  mild  tone. 

"No,  do  not  mix  me  up  with  the  matter,"  said  Blucher, 
hastily ;  "  the  good  God  has  vouchsafed  us  a  victory,  let  us 
humbly  thank  Him  for  it,  and  not  grow  overbearing. — Wait, 
I  have  it  now!  We  shall  call  it,  in  honor  of  General  von 
Sacken,  the  battle  of  the  Katzbach;  for,  by  Sacken's  vigorous 
cannonade  from  Eichholz,  on  the  Katzbach,  and  with  the  as- 
sistance of  his  brave  cavalry,  that  drove  the  enemy  into  the 
river,  we  gained  the  victory,  and  the  battle  ought  to  have 
that  name.  'The  battle  of  the  Katzbach!' — Well,  here  are 
our  quarters!" 

"Now,  general,  you  must  rest,"  said  Gneisenau,  with  the 
tenderness  of  a  son.  "  You  must  change  your  dress,  take 
food,  and  repose  on  your  laurels,  though  there  is  but  a  straw 
mattress  for  you. " 

Blucher  shook  his  head.  "  My  clothes  will  dry  quickest  if 
I  keep  them  on  my  body,"  he  said,  "and  I  must  do  so,  for 
we  have  still  a  great  many  things  to  attend  to;  we  must  in- 
form the  king  of  our  victory,  take  care  of  our  wounded, 
arrange  for  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy ;  and,  finally,  write  the 
bulletins  of  victory.  We  may  take  refreshment,  but  I  do  not 
care  for  laurels  with  it — laurels  are  bitter.  But  let  us  take  a 
drink,  and  smoke  a  pipe. — Pipe-master!" 

Fifteen  minutes  afterward,  General  Blucher  entered  with 
Gneisenau  the  small  chamber  called  his  headquarters;  ail  the 


BLUCHER  AS  A  WRITER.  341 

other  rooms  were  filled  with  the  wounded  prior  to  the  gen- 
eral's arrival  at  Brechtelshof.  Pains  had  been  taken  to  render 
this  chamber  as  cosy  and  comfortable  as  possible,  and,  when 
Blucher  entered,  he  was  gratified  in  seeing  a  stra\v  mattress 
near  the  wall,  and  on  the  table  (beside  a  flickering  tallow- 
candle  placed  in  a  bottle)  a  flask  of  wine,  with  a  few  glasses, 
and  near  it  a  large  inkstand  and  several  sheets  of  paper. 

"Well,"  cried  Blucher,  cheerfully,  "let  us  divide  frater- 
nally, Gueisenau;  I  will  take  the  wine,  and  you  the  ink. 
But,  first,  I  will  give  you  a  glass,  and  in  return  you  will  after- 
ward let  me  have  a  drop  of  ink."  Sitting  down  on  one  of 
the  wooden  stools,  he  quickly  filled  two  glasses  to  the  brim. 
"Gneisenau,"  he  said,  solemnly,  "let  us  drink  this  in  honor 
of  those  who  are  lying  on  the  battle-field,  and  who  have  died 
like  brave  men !  May  God  bid  them  welcome,  and  be  a  mer- 
ciful Judge  to  them !  Let  us  drink  also  in  commemoration 
of  Queen  Louisa  and  Scharnhorst,  who  both  doubtless  looked 
down  upon  us  from  heaven  to-day,  and  assisted  us  in  achiev- 
ing a  victory.  To  them  I  am  indebted  for  all  I  am.  But 
for  the  angelic  face  of  the  queen  the  calamity  of  the  accursed 
year  1807  would  have  driven  me  to  despair  and  death :  and 
but  for  Scharnhorst  I  should  never  have  been  appointed  gen- 
eral-in-chief.  Why,  they  all  considered  me  a  bombastic  old 
dotard  of  big  words  and  small  deeds;  but  Scharnhorst  de- 
fended me  before  the  king  and  the  emperor,  and  what  I  am 
now  I  am  through  him,  because  he,  the  noblest  of  men,  be  • 
lieved  in  me.  And  I  will  not  give  the  lie  to  his  faith,  I  will 
still  accomplish  glorious  things — to-day's  work  is  only  a  be- 
ginning." 

"  But  what  you  have  done  to-day  is  something  glorious, 
your  excellency,"  said  Gneisenau.  "That  we  have  gained 
the  battle,  thanks  to  your  generalship  and  the  enthusiasm 
of  the  troops,  is  not  the  greatest  advantage.  A  more  im- 
portant one  is,  that  the  Silesian  army  has  been  able  to  prove 
what  it  is,  and  what  a  chieftain  is  at  its  head.  Now,  all  those 
will  be  silenced  who  constantly  mistrusted  and  suspected  us; 
who  tried  to  sow  the  seeds  of  discord  between  the  Silesian 
army  and  the  headquarters  of  the  allies;  and  who  were  intent 
on  preventing  your  excellency  from  entering  upon  an  inde- 
pendent and  energetic  course  of  action." 

"  It  is  true,  they  call  me  a  mad  hussar,"  said  Blucher, 
shrugging  his  shoulders;  "and  Bonaparte,  as  I  read  some- 
where the  other  day,  calls  me  even  a  drunken  hussar.  Well, 


342  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

no  matter!  let  them  say  what  they  please.  And,  moreover, 
they  are  all,  to  some  extent,  justified  in  making  such  asser- 
tions; for  I  cannot  deny  that  the  years  of  waiting,  during 
which  I  was  obliged  to  swallow  my  grief,  really  made  me  a 
little  mad,  and  with  sobriety  I  never  intend  to  meet  Bona- 
parte ;  but,  for  all  that,  it  is  unnecessary  for  me  to  be  drunk 
with  wine.  I  am  still  intoxicated  with  joy  that  we  have  at 
length  been  allowed  to  attack  the  French,  and  God  grant  that 
I  may  never  awaken  from  this  intoxication !  Well,  Gneise- 
nau,  now  let  us  go  to  work! — you  with  the  ink,  and  I  with 
the  wine !  Draw  up  the  necessary  instructions  for  the  pursuit 
of  the  enemy,  and,  in  the  mean  time,  I  will  consider  what  I 
have  to  write." 

Gneisenau  took  the  pen,  and  wrote;  Blucher  the  glass,  and 
drank.  Half  an  hour  passed  in  silence ;  Gneisenau  then  laid 
down  his  pen,  for  he  had  finished  the  instructions ;  and  Blucher 
pushed  the  glass  aside,  for  the  bottle  was  empty. 

"  I  beg  leave  now  to  read  the  instructions  to  your  excel- 
lency," said  Gneisenau. 

"No,"  said  Blucher,  "not  now!  I  have  myself  gathered 
some  thoughts,  and  if  I  defer  writing  them  down,  they  will 
fly  away  like  young  swallows.  Such  ideas,  that  are  to  be 
written  down,  are  not  accustomed  to  have  their  nest  in  my 
head,  and  for  this  reason  I  will  let  them  out  immediately.  I 
will  write  to  the  king  and  to  the  city  of  Breslau,  informing 
him  that  we  have  gained  the  battle,  and  the  city  of  Breslau  that 
it  ought  to  do  something  for  my  wounded.  Give  me  the  pen ; 
I  shall  not  be  long  about  it."  With,  extraordinary  rapidity 
he  wrote  words  of  such  a  size  that  it  would  have  been  easy 
even  for  a  short-sighted  person  to  read  them  at  a  distance ; 
and,  although  they  were  drawn  across  the  paper  very  irreg- 
ularly, the  general  always  took  pains  to  have  broad  intervals 
between  the  lines,  that  there  might  be  no  probability  of  leav- 
ing them  illegible.  A  sheet  was  soon  filled;  Blucher  fixed 
his  signature,  and  contemplated  the  paper  for  a  moment. 
Half  an  hour  afterward  two  other  sheets,  filled  with  strange 
and  uncouth  characters,  lay  before  the  old  general,  and  he 
cast  the  pen  aside  with  a  sigh.  "  It  is  abominable  work  to 
write  letters,"  he  said;  "I  cannot  comprehend  why  you, 
Gneisenau,  who  are  so  good  a  soldier,  at  the  same  time  know 
so  well  how  to  wield  the  pen.  It  is  not  my  forte,  although  I 
had  a  notion  once  to  be  a  savant,  and  really  become  a  sort  of 
writer.  In  those  calamitous  days,  subsequent  to  1807,  de- 


BLUCHER  AS  A  WRITER.  343 

gpair  and  ennui  sought  for  some  relief  to  my  mind,  and  made 
me  write  a  book,  and  I  believe  a  good  one." 

"A  book?"  asked  Gneisenau,  in  amazement.  "And  you 
had  it  printed,  your  excellency?" 

"Not  I;  I  was  no  such  fool  as  to  do  that.  The  critics  and 
newspaper  editors,  who  talk  about  every  thing,  and  know 
nothing,  would  have  pounced  upon  my  book,  and  severely 
censured  it.  No,  my  dear  Gneisenau,  one  must  not  cast 
pearls  before  swine.  I  keep  my  book  in  my  desk,  and  show 
it  only  to  those  whom  I  particularly  esteem.  When  we  re- 
turn home  from  the  campaign  I  will  let  you  read  it ;  I  know 
it  will  please  you,  and  you  will  learn  something.  My  work 
is  called  '  Observations  on  the  Instruction  and  Tactics  of 
Cavalry."1  A  splendid  title,  is  it  not?  Well,  you  may  believe 
me,  there  is  a  great  deal  in  it,  and  many  a  one  would  be  glad 
of  having  written  it.*  Let  us  say  no  more  about  it.  Here 
are  my  two  dispatches;  there  is  the  letter  to  the  king,  and 
here  is  my  letter  to  the  city  of  Breslau,  and — you  must  do 
me  a  favor,  Gneisenau.  You  must  read  what  I  have  written, 
and  if  I  have  made  any  blunders  in  orthography  or  grammar, 
be  so  kind  as  to  correct  them." 

"But,  your  excellency,"  said  Gneisenau,  "no  one  can  ex- 
press himsef  so  vigorously  as  you,  and  no  one  knows  how  to 
put  the  right  word  in  the  right  place  as  quickly  as  you  do." 

"Yes,  as  to  the  words,  you  are  right.  But  the  grammar! 
there's  the  rub.  Men  are  so  foolish  as  to  refuse  speaking  as 
they  please,  but  render  life  even  more  burdensome  by  all  sorts 
of  grammatical  rules.  I  have  never  in  my  whole  life  paid  any 
attention  to  them,  but  have  spoken  my  mind  freely  and  fear- 
lessly. But  as  people  really  do  consider  him  a  blockhead  who 
does  not  talk  as  they  do,  let  us  humor  them,  and  please  cor- 
rect my  mistakes ;  but,  pray,  do  so  in  such  a  manner  that  it 
will  not  be  found  out."  He  handed  Gneisenau  the  pen,  and 
pushed  the  two  letters  toward  him.  "  Correct  what  I  have 
written,"  he  said;  "in  the  mean  time  I  will  read  what  you 
have  written." 

"  And  pray  be  so  kind  as  to  correct  it,  too,  your  excellency," 
begged  Gneisenau,  "for  possibly  I  may  have  made  mistakes 
weighing  heavier  than  mere  infractions  of  grammatical  rules, 
and  I  may  not  have  succeeded  in  rendering  your  instructions 
in  words  as  concise  and  distinct  as  you  gave  them  to  me." 

*  Blucher  was  proud  of  this  work,  the  only  one  he  ever  wrote,  and  always  referred 
to  it  in  terms  of  great  satisfaction.— Vide  Varnhagen  von  Ensei  "Life  of  Prince 
PJucher  of  Wahlstatt,"  p.  530. 


344  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Well,  ^ve  shall  see,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  smiling,  and  tak- 
ing up  the  paper. 

"Very  good,"  he  said,  after  reading  it  through,  "every 
thing  is  done  just  as  I  wished  it,  and  if  all  our  commanders 
act  in  accordance  with  these  instructions,  we  shall  give  the 
enemy  no  time  for  taking  a  position  anywhere,  but  completely 
disperse  his  forces  without  being  compelled  to  fight  another 
battle." 

"  And  when  the  city  of  Breslau  reads  this  noble  and  affect- 
ing plea  for  your  wounded,"  said  Gneisenau,  "they  will  be 
nursed  in  the  most  careful  manner,  and  our  able-bodied  sol- 
diers will  receive  wagon-loads  of  food  and  refreshments.  And 
when  the  king  reads  this  dispatch,  announcing  our  victory  in 
language  so  modest  and  unassuming,  his  heart  will  feel  satis- 
faction, and  he  will  rejoice  equally  over  the  victory  and  the 
general  to  whom  he  is  indebted  for  it." 

"Have  you  corrected  the  grammatical  blunders?" 

"  I  have,  your  excellency ;  I  have  erased  them  so  cautiously 
that  no  one  can  see  that  any  thing  has  been  corrected." 

"Well,  then,  be  so  kind  as  to  dispatch  a  courier." 

"But,  your  excellency,"  said  Gneisenau,  "shall  the  courier 
take  only  these  two  dispatches?  Have  you  forgotten  that  you 
promised  Madame  von  Blucher  to  write  to  her  after  every  bat- 
tle, whether  victorious  or  not,  and  that  I  solemnly  pledged  her 
my  word  to  remind  your  excellency  of  it?" 

"Well,  it  is  unnecessary  to  remind  me,"  cried  Blucher, 
taking  up  the  letter  he  had  first  written.  "Here  is  my  letter 
to  Amelia.  She  is  a  faithful  wife,  and  I  surely  owed  it  to  her 
to  tell  her  first  that  the  Lord  has  been  kind  and  gracious 
enough  toward  me  to  let  me  gain  the  battle.  But  you  need 
not  correct  it.  My  Amelia  will  not  blame  me  for  my  gram- 
matical blunders,  and  to  her  I  freely  speak  my  mind." 

"  Did  you  inform  your  wife,  too,  that  you  drew  your  sword 
yourself,  and  rushed  into  the  thickest  of  the  fray?" 

"  I  shall  take  good  care  not  to  tell  her  any  thing  of  the  kind," 
exclaimed  Blucher.  "  As  far  as  that  is  concerned,  I  did  not 
speak  my  mind  to  her.  It  is  true  I  had  promised  my  dear 
wife  to  be  what  she  calls  sensible,  and  only  to  command  and 
play  the  distinguished  general  who  merely  looks  on  while 
others  do  the  fighting.  But  it  would  not  do — you  must  admit, 
Gneisenau,  it  would  not  do;  I  could  not  stand  still  like  a 
scarecrow,  while  my  old  adjutant,  Katzeler,  was  charging 
with  the  hussars;  I  had  to  go  with  them,  if  it  cost  my  life. 


THE  REVOLT  OF  THE  GENERALS.        ->*5 

You  will  do  me  the  favor,  however,  not  to  betray  it  to 
Amelia." 

"  Even  though  I  should  be  silent,  your  excellency,  your 
wife  would  hear  of  it." 

"You  believe  Hennemann  will  tell  her?"  asked  Blucher, 
almost  in  dismay.  "  Yes,  it  is  true,  she  has  ordered  the  pipe- 
master  not  to  lose  sight  of  me  in  battle,  and  always  to  remain 
near  me  with  the  pipe.  Well,  the  fellow  has  kept  his  word ; 
but  he  will  now  also  fulfil  what  he  promised  my  wife,  and  tell 
her  every  thing.  Yes,  the  pipe-master  will  tell  her  that  I  was 
in  the  charge  of  the  light  cavalry." 

"Yes,"  exclaimed  Gneisenau,  smiling,  "he  will  betray  to 
your  wife  and  to  history  that  Blucher  fought  and  charged  at 
the  battle  of  the  Katzbach  like  a  young  man  of  twenty. 
But  for  the  pipe-master  history  might  not  know  it  at  all." 

"Gneisenau,  you  are  decidedly  too  sharp,"  cried  Blucher, 
stroking  his  mustache.  "  Well,  please  forward  the  dispatches, 
and.  then  let  us  try  to  sleep  a  little.  We  must  invigorate  our- 
selves, for  we  shall  have  plenty  to  do  to-morrow.  'Forward, 
always  forward!'  until  Bonaparte  is  hurled  from  his  throne; 
and  hurled  from  it  he  will  be !  Yes,  as  sure  as  there  is  a 
God  in  heaven!" 

CHAPTEE    XXXVII. 

THE   EEVOLT   OF  THE   GEKEKALS. 

ON  the  morning  of  the  10th  of  October,  Napoleon  took 
leave  of  the  King  and  Queen  of  Saxony,  after  delivering  at 
Eilenburg,  whither  he  had  repaired  with  the  royal  family  of 
Saxony,  a  solemn  and  enthusiastic  address  to  the  corps  which 
his  faithful  ally,  King  Frederick  Augustus,  had  added  to  his 
army,  and  which  was  to  fight  jointly  with  the  French  against 
his  enemies.  He  then  entered  the  carriage  and  rode  to  Duben, 
followed  by  his  staff,  the  whole  park  of  artillery,  and  all  the 
equipages.  Gloomy  and  taciturn,  the  emperor,  on  his  arrival 
at  the  palace  of  Duben,  retired  into  his  apartments  and  spread 
out  the  maps,  on  which  colored  pins  marked  the  various 
positions  of  the  allies  and  his  own  army.  "  They  are  three  to 
one  against  me,"  he  murmured,  bending  over  the  maps  and 
contemplating  the  pins.  "  Were  none  but  determined  and 
energetic  generals,  like  Blucher,  at  their  head,  my  defeat 
would  be  certain.  They  would  then  hem  me  in,  bring  on  a 
23 


346  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

decisive  battle,  and  their  overwhelming  masses  would  crush 
me  and  my  army.  Fortunately,  there  is  no  real  harmony 
among  the  allies;  they  will  scatter  their  forces,  post  them 
here  and  there,  and  in  the  mean  time  I  shall  march  to  Berlin, 
take  the  city,  repose  there,  and,  with  renewed  strength,  at- 
tack them  one  after  another.  Ah,  I  shall  succeed  in  defeat- 
ing them,  I — " 

There  was  a  low  knock  at  the  door,  and  Constant,  his  valet 
de  chambre,  entered  the  room.  "Sire,"  he  said,  "Marshal 
Marmont  and  the  gentlemen  of  the  staff  are  in  the  reception- 
room,  and  request  your  majesty  graciously  to  grant  them  an 
audience. " 

An  expression  of  surprise  overspread  the  emperor's  face,  and 
for  a.n  instant  he  seemed  to  hesitate;  but  gently  nodding  he 
said,  calmly:  "  Open  the  door.  I  grant  them  the  audience." 

Constant  opened  the  folding-doors,  and  in  the  reception- 
room  were  seen  the  marshals  and  generals  assembled.  Their 
faces  were  pale  and  gloomy,  and  there  was  something  solemn 
and  constrained  in  their  whole  bearing.  When  Napoleon  ap- 
peared on  the  threshold,  the  groups  dispersed,  and  the  gentle- 
men placed  themselves  in  line,  silent  and  noiseless,  along  the 
wall  opposite  the  emperor,  seemingly  at  a  loss  whether  they  or 
the  emperor  should  utter  the  first  word.  Napoleon  advanced  a 
few  steps.  For  the  first  time  his  generals,  the  companions  of  so 
many  years  and  so  many  battles,  seemed  unable  to  bear  the 
emperor's  glance.  Napoleon  saw  this,  and  a  bitter  smile 
flitted  over  his  face.  "  Marmont,"  he  exclaimed,  in  his  ring- 
ing voice,  "what  do  you  all  want?  Speak!" 

"Sire,"  said  the  marshal,  "we  wish  to  take  the  liberty  of 
addressing  a  question  and  a  request  to  your  majesty." 

"First,  the  question,  then!" 

"  Sire,  we  take  the  liberty  of  asking  whether  your  majesty 
really  intends  to  cross  the  Elbe  with  the  army,  and  to  resume 
the  struggle  on  the  right  bank?" 

"You  ask  very  abruptly  and  bluntly,"  said  Napoleon, 
haughtily.  "  I  need  not  listen  to  you,  but  I  will  do  so,  never- 
theless. I  will  reply  to  your  question,  not  because  I  must, 
but  because  I  choose  to  do  so.  Yes,  gentlemen,  I  intend  to 
transfer  the  whole  army  to  the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe  in  order 
to  occupy  Brandenburg  and  Berlin,  then  face  about  to  the 
river,  and  make  Magdeburg  the  support  of  my  further  opera* 
tions.*  This  is  my  plan,  and  you,  according  to  your  duty, 

*Beitzke,  vol.  il.,  p.  49L 


THE  REVOLT  OF  THE  GENERALS.       34? 

fill  assist  me  in  carrying  it  into  execution.  I  have  replied 
to  your  question.  Now  let  me  hear  your  request." 

"Sire,"  said  Marmont,  after  a  brief  silence,  "now  that  we 
have  heard  your  gracious  reply,  I  dare  to  give  expression  to 
our  request,  which  is  not  only  ours,  but  that  of  all  the  officers 
of  the  army  of  France.  Sire,  we  implore  you,  give  up  this 
bold  plan  of  operations;  do  not  vainly  shed  the  blood  of 
thousands!  The  odds  are  too  great,  not  only  in  numbers,  but 
in  warlike  ardor.  The  enemy  is  struggling  against  us  with 
the  fanaticism  of  hatred,  and  his  threefold  superiority  seems 
to  secure  victory  to  him.  Our  army,  on  the  contrary,  is  ex- 
hausted and  tired  of  war,  and  the  consciousness  of  being  en- 
gaged in  a  struggle  that  apparently  holds  out  no  prospects  of 
ultimate  success,  is  paralyzing  both  its  physical  and  moral 
strength.  Sire,  we  implore  you,  in  the  name  of  France,  make 
peace !  Let  us  return  to  the  Ehine !  Let  us  at  last  rest  from 
this  prolonged  war!  Oh,  sire,  give  us  peace!" 

"Oh,  sire,  give  us  peace!"  echoed  the  generals,  in  solemn 
chorus. 

The  emperor's  eyes  were  fixed  in  succession  upon  the  faces 
of  the  bold  men  who  dared  thus  to  address  him,  and  who,  at 
this  hour,  confronted  him  in  a  sort  of  open  revolt.  An  ex- 
pression of  anger  flushed  his  face  for  an  instant,  and  his 
features  resumed  their  impenetrable,  stony  look.  "  You  have 
come  to  hold  a  council  of  war  with  me,"  he  said.  "To  be 
sure,  I  have  not  summoned  you,  but  no  matter.  It  is  your 
unanimous  opinion  that  we  should  return  to  the  Khine, 
and  thence  to  France,  avoid  further  battles,  and  make 
peace?" 

"  Sire,  we  pray  your  majesty  this  time  to  repress  your  mili- 
tary genius  under  the  mantle  of  your  imperial  dignity,"  cried 
the  marshal.  "  As  soon  as  the  general  is  silent,  the  emperor 
will  perceive  that  his  people  and  his  country  need  repose  and 
peace.  France  has  given  her  wealth,  her  vigor,  and  her 
blood,  for  twenty  years  of  victories,  and  she  has  joyfully  done 
so ;  but  now  her  wealth  is  exhausted,  her  strength  and  her 
youth  are  gone,  for  there  are  in  France  no  more  young  men, 
only  the  aged,  invalids,  and  children;  the  fighting-men  lie 
on  the  battle-fields.  Boys  have  been  enrolled,  and  are  form- 
ing the  young  army  of  your  majesty.  Sire,  it  is  the  last 
blood  that  France  has  to  sacrifice :  spare  it !  The  enemy  is 
thrice  as  strong  as  we  are,  and  even  the  military  genius  of  your 
majesty  will  be  unable  to  achieve  victories  in  so  unequal  a 


348  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

struggle.     Listen,  therefore,  to  reason,  to  necessity,  and  to 
our  prayer;  make  peace.     Sire,  let  us  return  to  France!" 

Another  flush  suffused  Napoleon's  face,  but  he  controlled 
his  anger.  "  You  believe,  then,  that  it  depends  on  me  only 
to  make  peace?"  he  asked,  in  a  calm  voice.  "  You  think  we 
would  find  no  obstacles  in  our  way  if  we  endeavored  now  to 
return  to  France  ? — that  the  enemy  would  leave  the  roads  open 
to  us,  and  be  content  with  our  evacuating  Germany?  This  is 
a  great  mistake,  gentlemen.  I  cannot  make  peace,  for  the 
allies  would  not  accept  it.  They  know  their  strength,  and 
are  intent  on  having  war.  You  say  their  armies  are  thrice  as 
strong  as  mine,  and  that  is  the  reason  why  we  could  not  con- 
quer? I  might  reply  to  you  what  the  great  Conde  replied  to 
his  generals,  when  he  was  about  to  attack  the  superior  Spanish 
army,  'Great  battles  are  gained  with  small  armies.'  And  on 
the  following  day  he  gained  the  battle  of  Lons.  Yes,  gentle- 
men, the  victor  of  Eocroy  and  Lons  was  right ;  great  battles 
are  gained  with  small  armies;  only  we  must  make  our  dis- 
positions correctly,  and  scatter  the  forces  of  our  adversaries, 
instead  of  giving  them  an  opportunity  to  concentrate  upon 
one  point.  It  is,  therefore,  of  vital  importance  for  me  to  hold 
the  line  of  the  Elbe,  for  with  it  I  possess  all  the  strong  points 
of  Bohemia;  and,  besides,  the  fortresses  of  Custrin,  Stettin, 
and  Glogau,  are  close  to  it.  If  I  have  to  abandon  that  river, 
I  abandon  all  Germany  to  the  Ehine,  with  all  the  fortresses, 
and  the  vast  materiel  stored  there.  That  would  be  to  weaken 
us  and  strengthen  the  enemy,  now  on  the  left  bank.  I  will, 
therefore,  cross  to  the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe,  for  thence  I  am 
able  to  deploy  my  whole  army  without  hinderance,  and  con- 
nect my  line  with  Davoust  at  Hamburg,  and  St.  Cyr  at  Dres- 
den. We  shall  easily  take  Berlin,  raise  the  sieges  of  Glogau, 
Stettin,  and  Custrin,  and  become  masters  of  the  situation. 
Prussia,  the  hot-bed  of  this  fermentation  and  revolution,  will 
be  subjugated  and  crushed.  That  will  discourage  the  others, 
and  they  will  fall  back  as  they  have  so  often,  their  plans  will 
be  disorganized,  and  then  I  shall  have  gained  my  cause;  for 
the  strength  of  the  allies  consists  chiefly  in  the  fact  that  they 
are  temporarily  in  harmony.  Let  us  disorganize  their  plans, 
foster  their  separate  interests,  and  we  gain  every  thing.  When 
the  Prussians  see  their  country  threatened,  they  will  hasten 
to  its  assistance;  the  Kussians,  Swedes,  and'  Austrians,  will 
refuse  to  change  and  reorganize  their  plans  of  operations  for 
the  sake  of  Prussia,  and  discord  will  prevent  them  from  act- 


THE  REVOLT  OF  THE  GENERALS.       349 

ing.  If  Germany  had  been  united,  and  acted  with  one  will, 
I  could  not  have  taken  from  her  a  single  village  or  fortress. 
Fortunately,  however,  the  people  do  not  act  unanimously; 
wherever  ten  Germans  are  assembled,  there  are  also  ten  sep- 
arate interests  at  war  among  them,  and  this  fact  has  delivered 
the  country  into  my  hands.  Let  us,  therefore,  profit  by  this 
national  peculiarity;  let  us  stir  up  their  separate  interests, 
and  that  will  be  as  advantageous  as  though  we  gained  a  bat- 
tle. We  shall,  then,  cross  over  to  the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe, 
make  Berlin  our  centre,  support  our  left  on  Dresden,  our 
right  on  Magdeburg,  and  face  toward  the  west.  At  all  events, 
this  will  bring  about  an  entire  change  of  position,  and  it  will 
then  be  my  task  to  force  my  plans  of  operation  upon  the  allies.  "* 
"  A  task  that  would  be  easily  accomplished  by  the  genius 
of  your  majesty,  which  is  so  superior  to  that  of  all  the  generals 
of  the  allies, "  said  the  marshal ;  "  but  still  this  whole  plan,  how 
admirable  soever  it  may  be,  is  altogether  too  bold.  If  we 
pass  over  to  the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe,  we  would  give  up  all 
connection  with  France ;  the  allies,  it  would  be  believed,  had, 
by  skilful  manoeuvres,  cut  us  off — hurled  us  into  inevitable 
destruction.  Moreover — your  majesty  will  pardon  me  for  this 
observation — we  can  no  longer  count  upon  the  assistance  of 
our  German  auxiliaries.  They  will  abandon  us  at  the  very 
moment  when  we  need  them  most.  Even  Bavaria  is  no  longer 
a  reliable  ally,  for,  notwithstanding  the  benefits  your  majesty 
has  conferred  on  her,  she  is  about  to  ally  herself  with  Austria. 
Sire,  you  said  a  few  minutes  ago  that  you  counted  upon  the 
discord  of  the  Germans,  but  this  exists  no  more,  or  rather  it 
exists  only  among  the  princes;  but  we  have  no  longer  to  fight 
the  latter  alone — we  have  to  struggle  against  the  genius  of 
Germany,  which  has  risen  against  us,  and  for  the  first  time 
the  whole  nation  is  united  in  hatred  and  wrath.  Sire,  this 
national  spirit  is  more  powerful  than  all  princes  and  all  armies, 
for  it  overcomes  the  princes,  and  makes  new  armies  spring  as 
if  from  the  ground  to  defend  the  sacred  soil  of  the  fatherland. 
Those  armies  we  shall  be  unable  to  conquer :  for  one-half  of 
ours  is  composed  of  soldiers  exhausted  by  continued  wars,  and 
longing  for  peace ;  and  the  other  half  of  young,  ignorant  con- 
scripts, who  will  yield  to  unwonted  privations.  Therefore, 
sire,  I  dare  renew  my  prayer,  and  implore  your  majesty  to 
give  up  your  plan  against  Berlin !  Let  us  not  pass  over  to 
the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe,  but  march  toward  the  Khine!" 

1  Beitzke,  vol.  ii.,  p.  493. 


350  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Is  that  your  opinion,  too,  gentlemen?"  asked  Napoleon, 
turning  toward  the  generals.  "  Do  you,  though  I  have  con- 
descended to  explain  to  you  at  length  my  plan,  and  the  mo- 
tives that  have  caused  me  to  adopt  it,  still  persist  in  your 
belief  that  it  would  be  better  not  to  pass  to  the  right  bank  of 
the  Elbe,  but  to  return  to  the  Khine?" 

"Yes,"  cried  the  generals,  unanimously,  "we  persist  in  our 
opinion." 

Napoleon  drew  back  a  step,  and  a  pallor  overspread  his  face ; 
but  apparently  he  remained  as  cold  and  calm  as  ever.  "  My 
plan  has  been  deeply  calculated,"  he  said,  after  a  pause;  "I 
have  admitted  into  it,  as  a  probable  contingency,  the  defection 
of  Bavaria.  I  am  convinced  that  the  plan  of  marching  on 
Berlin  is  good.  A  retrograde  movement,  in  the  circumstances 
in  which  we  are  placed,  is  disastrous;  and  those  who  oppose 
my  projects  have  undertaken  a  serious  responsibility.  How- 
ever, I  will  think  of  it,  and  inform  you  of  my  final  decision."  * 
He  saluted  the  generals  with  a  careless  nod  and  retired  again 
into  his  cabinet. 

The  generals  looked  with  anxious  faces  at  one  another  when 
the  door  closed.  "What  shall  we  do  now?"  they  inquired. 
"Wait,  and  not  yield!"  murmured  the  most  resolute  among 
them,  and  all  agreed  to  do  so. 

With  gloomy  glances  did  Napoleon,  after  his  return  to  his 
cabinet,  look  at  the  door  that  separated  him  from  his  mutinous 
generals.  He  felt  that  now  a  new  power  had  taken  the  field 
against  him  that  might  become  more  dangerous  than  all  the 
others,  and  that  was  the  revolt  of  his  generals.  He  heard 
distinctly  their  last  words.  They  had  not  said,  "  We  persist 
in  our  opinion,  and  would  like  to  return,"  but,  "We  must 
return  to  France."  His  generals,  then,  dared  to  have  a  will 
of  their  own,  and  opposed  to  that  of  their  emperor.  They 
knew  it,  and  it  did  not  deter  them ! 

"Ah,  the  wretches,"  he  murmured  to  himself,  "they  are 
blind !  They  will  not  see  that  we  are  hastening  to  destruc- 
tion. They  compel  me  to  return  as  Alexander's  generals  com- 
pelled him  to  return !  Woe  to  us!  We  are  lost!"  He  sank 
down  on  the  sofa;  and  now,  when  none  could  see  him,  the 
veil  dropped  from  his  face,  the  imperial  mantle  fell  from  his 
cowering  form,  and  he  was  but  a  weak,  grief-stricken  man, 
who,  with  a  pale  and  quivering  face,  was  uncertain  what  to 
do.  Hour  after  hour  elapsed.  He  was  still  sitting  in  the 

*Napoleon's  words.— Vide  Fain,  "  Manuscrit  de  1813,"  vol.  i. 


THE  REVOLT  OF  THE  GENERALS.       351 

corner  of  the  sofa,  rigid  and  motionless;  only  the  sighs  which 
heaved  his  breast  from  time  to  time,  and  the  quiver  of  his 
eyelids,  betrayed  the  life  that  was  still  animating  him. 

The  court-marshal  entered  and  announced  dinner.  The 
emperor  waved  his  hand  to  him  that  he  might  withdraw,  and 
his  marshals  and  generals  vainly  awaited  him.  They  looked 
at  each  other  inquiringly  and  murmured,  "  He  is  reflecting ! 
We  can  wait,  but  we  cannot  yield!" 

At  the  stated  hour  in  the  afternoon,  the  two  topographers 
of  the  emperor,  Colonel  Bacler  d'Alba,  and  Colonel  Duclay, 
entered  the  emperor's  cabinet.  As  usual,  they  rolled  the 
table,  covered  with  maps  and  plans,  before  the  emperor,  and 
then  took  seats  at  the  other  table  standing  in  the  corner,  which 
was  also  covered  in  like  manner.  They  waited  for  the  em- 
peror, as  was  his  habit,  to  speak  and  discuss  his  movements 
with  them.  But  he  was  silent ;  he  took  up,  however,  a  large 
sheet  of  white  paper,  and  pen,  and  began  to  write.  What  did 
he  write?  The  topographers  were  unable  to  see  it;  they  sat 
pen  in  hand,  and  waited.  But  Napoleon  was  still  silent. 
Hour  after  hour  passed;  not  a  sound  of  the  triumphant, 
joyous,  and  proud  life  which  used  to  surround  the  victorious 
emperor  was  to  be  heard  in  the  dreary  palace  of  Duben.  The 
anterooms  were  deserted ;  the  generals  remained  all  day  in  the 
audience-room,  and  gazed  with  sullen  faces  upon  the  door  of 
the  imperial  cabinet.  But  this  door  did  not  open.  In  the 
cabinet  the  emperor  was  still  on  his  sofa,  now  leaning  back  in 
meditation,  and  now  bending  over  the  map-table,  and  writ- 
ing slowly.  Opposite  him  sat  the  two  topographers,  mourn- 
fully waiting  for  him  to  speak  to  them.*  But  Napoleon 
wrote,  gazed  into  the  air,  sank  back  on  the  sofa,  groaned, 
raised  himself  again,  and  wrote  on. 

This  indifference  and  silence  made  a  strange  impression, 
which  frightened  even  the  generals,  when  the  topographers, 
whom  the  emperor  had  at  length  dismissed  with  a  quick  wave 
of  the  hand,  and  an  imperious  "Go!"  entered  the  audience- 
room,  and  told  them  of  this  extraordinary  conduct.  But 
Napoleon  had  written  something,  and  it  was  all-important  for 
them  to  know  what.  They  wished  to  discover  whether  letters 
or  plans  had  been  penned  by  the  emperor,  and  with  what  he 
had  been  occupied  all  day.  "Let  us  speak  with  Constant," 
they  whispered  to  each  other.  "  He  alone  will  enter  the  cabi- 
net to-day.  He  has  keen  eyes,  and  will  be  able  to  see  what 

*  Odeleben,  "The  Campaign  in  Saxony  in  1813." 


352  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  emperor  lias  written."  Constant  consented  to  cast,  at  a 
favorable  moment,  a  passing  glance  on  the  emperor's  desk. 
The  generals  remained  in  the  audience  room  and  waited. 

An  hour  passed,  when  Constant,  pale  and  sad,  entered  the 
room ;  he  held  a  large,  crumpled  sheet  of  paper  in  his  hand. 
"  The  emperor  has  retired,"  he  whispered.  "He  called  me, 
and  when  I  entered  the  cabinet,  he  was  still  sitting  on  the  sofa 
at  the  map-table,  and  engaged  in  writing.  Suddenly  he  threw 
down  the  pen  and  seized  the  paper,  crumpled  it  in  his  hand, 
and  threw  it  on  the  floor.  I  picked  it  up,  and  may  com- 
municate it  to  you,  for  it  contains  no  secrets."  All  the  gen- 
erals stretched  out  their  hands.  Constant  handed  the  paper 
to  Marshal  Marmont.  The  sheet  contained  nothing  but  large 
capital  letters,  joined  with  fanciful  flourishes.*  The  generals 
gazed  at  each  other  with  bewildered  eyes.  Those  capital 
letters,  this  work  of  a  child,  was  the  day's  labor  which  the 
energetic  emperor  had  performed!  The  letters,  traced  so 
carefully  and  elaborately,  made  an  afwul  impression  on  the 
beholders — a  whole  history  of  secret  despair,  stifled  tears  of 
grief,  and  bitter  imprecations,  spoke  from  this  crumpled  sheet 
of  paper.  The  generals  turned  pale,  as  if  imminent  danger 
was  hovering  over  them — as  if  Fate  had  sent  them  its  Eunic 
letters,  which  they  were  unable  to  decipher.  They  left  the 
room  in  silence,  but  murmured  still,  "  We  can  wait,  but  we 
cannot  yield." 

Night  had  come.  Silence  settled  on  the  mournful  palace 
of  Duben.  The  emperor  lay  on  his  field-bed,  but  he  did  not 
sleep ;  for  Constant,  who  was  in  the  cabinet  adjoining  the  im- 
perial bedchamber,  heard  him  often  sigh  and  utter  words  of 
anger  and  grief.  In  the  middle  of  the  night  the  valet  heard 
a  loud,  piercing  cry,  and  ran  into  the  bedchamber.  The 
emperor  was  in  agony,  writhing,  and  a  prey  to  violent  con- 
vulsions. He  was  ill  with  colic,  which  so  often  visited  him, 
and  the  pallor  of  death  overspread  his  face. 

Constant  hastened  to  bring  the  usual  remedies,  but  he  did 
not  send  for  the  doctor;  for  he  knew  that  Napoleon  did  not 
like  to  have  any  importance  attached  to  this  illness.  The 
pain  at  length  yielded  to  the  remedies  applied.  The  emperor 
submitted  to  Constant's  entreaties,  and  drank  the  soothing 
tea  which  he  always  took  at  these  evil  hours,  and  the  efficacy 
of  which  in  such  cases  had  been  discovered  by  the  Empress 
Josephine.  He  put  the  teacup  on  the  table,  and  locked  very 

*  Constant,  "M6moires,"  vol.  v.,  p.  ^69. 


THE  REVOLT  OF  THE  GENERALS.        353 

melancholy.  Possibly  he  remembered  how  often  Josephine's 
presence  had  comforted  him  during  such  hours — how  her 
small  hand  had  wiped  the  cold  perspiration  from  his  forehead 
— how  his  weary  head  had  rested  in  her  lap,  and  how  her 
tender  words  had  consoled  and  strengthened  him.  Possibly 
he  remembered  all  this,  for  he  murmured  in  a  low  voice, 
"Ah,  Josephine,  why  are  you  not  with  me?  You  are  my 
guardian  angel!  My  star  has  set  with  you!"  Then  his 
head  sank  back  on  the  pillow,  and  he  closed  his  eyes.  Per- 
haps his  grief  made  him  sleep. 

Early  on  the  following  morning  a  carriage  rolled  into  the 
court -yard,  and  Marshal  Augereau  requested  an  audience  of 
the  emperor,  who  had  reentered  his  map-cabinet. 

"Augereau,"  said  the  emperor  to  his  marshal,  "you  bring 
me  bad  news!" 

"  Only  news,  sire,  which  your  majesty  has  already  foreseen. 
It  is  the  defection  of  Bavaria,  and  her  accession  to  the  al- 
liance." 

The  emperor  bent  his  head  on  his  breast.  "  It  must  be  so. 
All  are  deserting  me.  I  must  submit.  Augereau,"  he  said, 
aloud,  "  Bavaria  has  deserted  me,  but,  what  is  still  worse,  my 
generals  have  done  so,  too.  They  will  no  longer  follow  me. 
They  refuse  to  obey  me ;  my  plans  seem  too  rash  and  danger- 
ous. They  do  not  wish  to  go  to  Berlin — they  want  peace ! 
Do  you  understand,  Augereau,  peace  at  a  moment  when  all  are 
arming — when  war  is  inevitable,  and  when  it  is  all-important 
for  me  to  extricate  myself  as  advantageously  as  possible  from 
the  snare  in  which  we  shall  be  caught  if  the  allies  profit  by 
their  superiority,  and  draw  together  the  net  surrounding  us." 

"  Sire,  and  I  believe  they  have  the  will  to  do  so,"  cried  Au- 
gereau. "  Nothing  but  the  commanding  military  genius  of 
your  majesty  is  still  able  to  conquer." 

A  painful  smile  quivered  round  the  pale  lips  of  the  emperor. 
"Ah,  Augereau,"  he  said,  "we  are  no  longer  the  soldiers 
of  Jena  and  Austerlitz.  I  have  no  longer  any  generals  on 
whose  obedience  I  may  count.  I  shall  give  up  my  plan,  I 
shall  not  pass  over  to  the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe,  but,  by 
taking  this  resolution,  I  renounce  all  victories  and  successes, 
and  it  only  remains  for  me  to  succumb  with  honor,  and  to 
have  opened  as  advantageous  a  passage  as  possible  through 
Germany  to  France." 

The  marshals  and  generals  were  again  assembled  in  the 
audience-room,  and  gazed  in  sullen  expectation  at  the  door 


354  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

of  the  imperial  cabinet.  Suddenly  the  emperor,  pale  and  calm 
as  usual,  walked  in,  followed  by  Marshal  Augereau.  All  eyes 
were  fixed  upon  the  emperor,  whose  lips  were  to  proclaim 
the  events  of  the  future. 

Advancing  into  the  middle  of  the  room,  he  raised  his  head, 
and  sternly  glanced  along  the  line  of  generals.  "  Gentlemen," 
he  said,  in  a  loud  voice,  "I  have  changed  my  plan.  We 
shall  not  pass  over  to  the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe,  but  turn 
toward  Leipsic  to-morrow.  May  those  who  have  occasioned 
this  movement  never  regret  it!"  * 

A  shout  of  joy  burst  forth  when  the  emperor  paused.  The 
generals  surrounded  him,  now  that  they  had  attained  their 
object,  to  thank  him  for  his  magnanimity,  and  then  they 
cheerfully  looked  at  each  other,  shook  hands,  and  exclaimed 
in  voices  trembling  with  emotion,  "  We  shall  again  embrace 
our  parents,  our  wives,  our  children,  our  friends  !"f 

"Ah,  Augereau,"  said  the  emperor,  mournfully,  "you  see 
I  could  not  act  otherwise;  it  was  their  will!  But  you,  who 
are  of  my  opinion  that  this  retrograde  movement  is  a  calam- 
ity, will  be  able  to  testify  in  my  favor  if  the  future  shows 
that  I  am  right.  You  will  state  that  I  was  compelled  to 
pursue  a  path  which  I  knew  would  lead  to  destruction!" 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

THE   BATTLE   OF  LEIPSIC. 

THE  struggle  had  already  been  going  on  for  two  days.  On 
the  15th  and  16th  of  October  the  Austrians,  Russians,  Prus- 
sians, and  Swedes,  had  fought  a  number  of  engagements  with 
the  French  between  Halle  and  Leipsic.  The  Austrians,  or 
the  army  of  Bohemia,  commanded  by  Schwartzenberg,  the 
general-in-chief,  had  been  defeated  by  the  French  at  Wachau 
on  the  15th  of  October;  but  the  Prussians  and  Russians, 
under  Blucher,  had  gained  a  brilliant  victory  at  Mockern  on 
the  16th  of  October;  and  though  the  Swedes,  under  Berna- 
dotte,  had  not  participated  in  the  battle,  and  had,  as  usual, 
managed  on  that  day  to  keep  away  from  the  carnage,  they 
had  at  the  same  time  contrived  to  participate  in  the  glorf  -»f 
victory. 

*Napoleon's  words.— Constant,  vol.  v.,  p.  269. 
tlbid. 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LEIPSIC.  355 

The  French  had  not  gained  a  single  decisive  battle  during 
these  two  days,  and  yet  Napoleon  himself  was  at  the  head  of 
his  forces,  directing  their  movements.  Thousands  of  his 
soldiers  lay  on  the  blood-stained  field  of  Wachau,  and  thou- 
sands more  were  mown  down  at  Mockern.  His  army  was 
melting  away  hour  by  hour,  while  that  of  his  enemies  con- 
stantly increased.  Fresh  reserves  were  moved  up ;  the  battle 
array  of  the  allies  grew  more  imposing  and  overwhelming, 
and  the  great,  decisive  battle  was  drawing  nigh. 

It  was  the  evening  of  the  second  day,  the  16th  of  October. 
Napoleon, who  had  his  headquarters  on  the  preceding  day  at 
Eeudnitz,  four  miles  from  Leipsic,  removed  them  for  the 
night  into  the  open  field,  from  which  the  city  could  be  seen, 
and  behind  it  the  numerous  fires  of  the  allies  gleamed  through 
the  gathering  shades.  Beside  the  emperor's  tent  a  large 
camp-fire  was  kindled,  and  near  it,  on  a  small  field-stool,  cov- 
ered with  red  morocco,  sat  Napoleon,  his  gray  overcoat  closely 
buttoned  up,  his  three-cornered  hat  drawn  over  his  forehead, 
and  his  arms  folded  on  his  breast.  His  guards,  who  were 
encamping  in  the  plain  in  wide  circles  around  him,  could 
distinctly  see  him,  partially  illuminated  by  the  camp-fire. 
That  bent,  dark  form  was  their  only  hope — a  hope  which  did 
not  look  up  to  the  stars  shining  above  them,  but  which  was 
satisfied  with  a  mortal,  who  they  believed  could  guide  and 
protect  them.  And  he  indeed  could  save  them  from  death 
by  discontinuing  the  struggle,  by  accepting  peace,  though  at 
the  heaviest  cost — at  the  sacrifice  of  all  his  possessions  outside 
of  France. 

Two  forms  approached  the  camp-fire.  It  was  only  when 
they  stood  by  the  emperor's  side,  that  he  perceived  them  and 
looked  up.  He  recognized  the  grave  faces  of  Marshal  Berthier 
and  Count  Daru. 

"  What  do  you  want?"  he  asked,  in  a  husky  voice. 

"Sire,"  said  Berthier,  solemnly,  "we  come,  as  envoys  of 
all  the  superior  officers  of  the  army,  to  lay  our  humble 
requests  before  your  majesty." 

"Have  you  any  thing  to  request?"  asked  Napoleon,  sneer- 
ingly.  "  I  thought  I  had  fulfilled  at  Duben  all  the  wishes 
of  my  generals ;  I  gave  up  my  plan  against  Berlin  and  the 
right  bank  of  the  Elbe,  and  marched  to  Leipsic,  in  order  to 
take  the  direct  road  to  France.  Are  my  generals  not  yet 
satisfied?" 

"  Sire,  who  could  suppose  that  on  this  road  we  would  meet 


356  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

all  the  corps  of  the  allies?"  sighed  the  Prince  of  Neufchatel. 
"Even  your  majesty  did  not  know  it." 

"I  did  not,"  replied  Napoleon,  "but  my  star  forewarned 
me,  and  I  conceived  the  plan  of  going  to  Berlin.  You  over- 
came my  will;  what  do  you  still  want?" 

"  Sire,"  said  Berthier,  almost  timidly,  "we  want  to  implore 
your  majesty  to  offer  an  armistice  and  peace  to  the  allies. 
Our  troops  are  dreadfully  exhausted  by  these  days  of  inces- 
sant fighting,  and  are,  besides,  discouraged  by  the  continued 
victories  of  our  enemies.  The  generals,  too,  are  disheartened, 
the  more  so  as  we  are  unable  to  continue  the  struggle  two  day? 
longer,  because  our  ammunition  begins  to  fail.  We  have 
recently  used  such  a  vast  amount  that  scarcely  enough  remain-0 
for  a  single  day.  Sire,  if  we,  however^  continue  to  fight  and 
are  defeated,  the  road  to  France  is  open  to  our  enemies,  and 
your  majesty  cannot  prevent  the  allies  from  marching  di- 
rectly upon  Paris,  for  France  has  no  soldiers  to  defend  her 
when  our  army  is  routed.  Let  your  majesty,  therefore,  have 
mercy  on  your  country  and  your  people ;  discontinue  the  war. 
and  make  proposals  of  peace!" 

"Yes,  sire,"  said  Daru,  "become  anew  the  benefactor  of 
your  country,  overcome  your  great  heart  for  the  welfare  of 
your  people  and  your  army,  whose  last  columns  are  assembled 
around  you,  and  await  life  or  death  from  your  lips.  The 
terrible,  unforeseen  event  has  taken  us  by  surprise;  we  were 
not  sufficiently  prepared.  We  have  no  ambulances,  no  hospi- 
tals;  all  the  elements  of  victory  are  wanting,  for  when  the 
soldier  knows  that,  after  the  battle,  if  he  should  be  wounded 
or  taken  sick,  he  will  find  a  good  bed,  careful  treatment,  and 
medical  attendance,  he  goes  with  a  feeling  of  some  sort  of 
security  into  battle;  but  we  are  destitute  of  these  necessities. 
Your  majesty  knows  full  well  that  this  is  no  fault  of  mine, 
but  still  it  is  so,  and  that  we  lack  almost  every  thing.  Your 
majesty,  therefore,  will  be  gracious  enough  to  take  a  resolu- 
tion which,  it  is  true,  is  painful  and  deplorable,  but  under 
the  circumstances  indispensable." 

Napoleon  listened  to  the  two  gentlemen  with  calmness  and 
attention.  When  Count  Daru  was  silent,  he  fixed  a  sarcastic 
eye  first  on  him,  then  on  Berthier.  "  Have  y ou  any  thing  else 
to  say?"  he  then  asked.  The  two  gentlemen  bowed  in  silence. 

"Well,  then,"  said  Napoleon,  rising,  and,  with  his  arms 
folded,  "I  will  reply  to  both  of  you.  Berthier,  you  know 
that  I  do  not  attach  to  your  opinion  in  such  matters  as  much 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LEIPSIC.  35? 

as  a  straw's  value;  you  may,  therefore,  save  yourself  the 
trouble  of  speaking!  As  to  you,  Count  Daru,  it  is  your  task 
to  wield  the  pen,  and  not  the  sword ;  you  are  incapable  of 
passing  an  opinion  on  this  question.  As  to  those  who  are  of 
the  same  way  of  thinking,  and  whose  envoys  you  are,  tell  them 
as  my  determined  and  final  answer  simply,  'They  shall  obey !' "  * 

He  turned  his  back  upon  them  and  entered  his  tent.  Con- 
stant and  Roustan  had  taken  pains  to  give  it  as  comfortable 
and  elegant  an  appearance  as  possible.  A  beautiful  Turkish 
carpet  covered  the  floor.  On  the  table  in  the  middle  of  the 
tent  were  placed  the  emperor's  supper,  consisting  of  some 
cold  viands  on  silver  plates  and  dishes.  On  another  table 
was  an  inkstand,  papers,  books,  and  maps;  and  in  a  nook, 
formed  by  curtains  and  draperies,  stood  the  emperor's  field- 
bed.  The  sight  of  this  snug  little  room,  and  the  stillness 
surrounding  him,  seemed  to  do  him  good ;  the  solitude  allowed 
him  to  let  the  mask  fall  from  his  face,  and  to  permit  the 
melancholy  and  painful  thoughts  which  filled  his  soul  to 
reflect  themselves  in  his  features.  With  a  sigh  resembling  a 
groan  he  sank  down  on  the  easy-chair.  "  They  want  to  crush 
me  to  earth,"  he  murmured — "  to  transform  the  giant  into  a 
pigmy,  because  they  are  too  much  afraid  of  his  strength. 
Their  fear  has  at  length  made  brave  men  of  these  allies,  and 
they  have  resolved  to  put  me  on  the  bed  of  Procrustes,  and 
to  reduce  me  to  the  size  of  a  common  man,  like  themselves. 
Will  it  be  necessary  to  submit  to  this  ?  Must  I  allow  them 
to  cut  off  my  limbs,  to  save  my  life?"  He  paused,  and 
became  absorbed  deeper  in  his  reflections. 

Suddenly  he  was  interrupted  by  approaching  footsteps. 
The  curtain  of  the  tent  was  drawn  back,  and  one  of  the 
emperor's  adjutants  appeared.  "  Sire,"  he  said,  "  the  Austrian 
General  Meerfeldt,  who  was  taken  prisoner  by  your  majesty's 
troops  at  Wachau,  has  just  arrived  under  escort,  and  awaits 
your  orders." 

The  emperor  rose  more  quickly  than  usual.  "Fate  re- 
sponds to  my  questions  and  doubts,"  he  said  to  himself, 
hastily  pacing  his  tent  floor.  "  I  endeavored  to  find  an  ex- 
pedient, and  a  mediator  appears  between  myself  and  my 
enemies.  All  is  not  yet  lost,  then,  for  Fate  seems  still  to  be 
my  ally."  He  turned  with  a  quick  motion  of  his  head 
toward  the  adjutant.  "Admit  General  Meerfeldt.  I  will 
see  him. " 

*  Napoleon's  words. — Vide  "Memoirs  of  the  Duchess  d'Abrantes,"  vol.  xvi.,p.  366. 


358  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

A  few  minutes  afterward  the  Austrian  general  entered  the 
tent.  The  emperor  quickly  met  him,  and  gazed  with  a 
strange,  triumphant  look  into  the  embarrassed  face  of  the 
count.  "I  believe  we  are  old  acquaintances,"  said  Napoleon, 
"  for,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  it  was  you  who,  in  1-797,  solicited 
the  armistice  of  Leoben,  and  you  participated,  too,  in  the 
negotiations  which  terminated  in  the  treaty  of  Campo-For- 
mio." 

"  Yes,  sire,  you  are  right ;  I  had  at  that  time  the  good 
fortune  to  become  acquainted  with  General  Bonaparte,"  said 
Count  Meerfeldt,  with  a  deep  bow;  "he  was  just  entering  a 
career  which  has  led  him  from  victory  to  victory,  and 
adorned  his  head  with  well-merited  laurels." 

"  Yes,  you  were  one  of  the  signers  of  the  treaty  of  Campo- 
Formio,"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "But  that  was  not  all.  Was 
it  not  you  who  wished  to  present  me,  in  the  name  of  the 
emperor  of  Austria,  with  some  magnificent  gifts?  What  was 
it  you  came  to  offer  me  then?" 

"Sire,"  said  the  count,  in  confusion,  "I  had  orders  to 
repeat  that  which  Count  Cobenzl  had  already  vainly  pro- 
posed to  General  Bonaparte.  I  had  orders  to  offer  him,  in 
the  emperor's  name,  a  principality  in  Germany,  several 
millions  in  ready  money,  and  a  team  of  six  white  horses." 

"  I  declined  the  principality  in  Germany  because  I  thought 
that  one  ought  either  to  inherit  or  conquer  sovereignties,  but 
never  accept  them  as  gifts,  for  he  who  accepts  a  gift  always 
remains  the  moral  vassal  of  the  giver.  I  rejected  the  millions 
because  I  would  not  allow  myself  to  be  bribed;  but  I  did  ac- 
cept the  six  horses,  and  with  them  made  my  entry  into  Ger- 
many and  came  to  Eastadt." 

"  It  was  the  first  triumphal  procession  of  your  majesty  in 
Germany,  and,  like  Julius  Caesar,  you  could  say,  '  I  came, 
saw,  and  conquered!' " 

"Since  then  circumstances  have  greatly  changed,"  said  the 
emperor,  thoughtfully;  "General  Bonaparte  became  the 
Emperor  Napoleon,  and  the  latter  did  what  General  Bona- 
parte refused  to  do :  he  accepted  at  the  hands  of  the  Emperor 
of  Austria  a  gift  more  precious  than  principalities,  for  it  was 
a  beautiful  young  wife.  Ah,  general,  you  are  my  prisoner, 
and  I  ought  not  to  release  you,  but  send  you  to  Paris,  that 
you  might  have  the  good  fortune  of  kissing  the  hand  of  the 
Empress  of  France,  the  daughter  of  my  enemy,  and  of  seeing 
whether  the  little  fair-haired  King  of  Kome  looks  like  his 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LEIPSIC.  359 

grandfather.  But  no,  I  will  set  you  at  liberty,  I  will  make 
you  my  negotiator!  You  were  one  of  those  with  whom  I 
concluded,  in  the  name  of  France,  the  first  peace  with 
Austria;  I,  therefore,  commission  you  now  to  mediate  my 
last  peace;  for  I  want  to  wage  no  more  wars — I  am  tired  of 
this  unceasing  bloodshed;  I  ask  naught  but  to  repose  in 
peace,  and  dream  of  the  happiness  of  France,  after  having 
dreamed  of  its  glory.  Go,  repeat  this  to  the  emperor,  your 
master;  tell  him  that  I  desire  no  more  conquests,  but  repose. 
Tell  him  that  I  long  for  nothing  more  ardently  than  peace, 
and  that  I  am  ready  to  conclude  it,  even  before  our  swords 
have  crossed." 

"Sire,"  said  Count  Meerfeldt,  hesitatingly,  "if  I  repeat  all 
this  to  the  emperor,  he  will  ask  me  what  guaranties  your 
majesty  offers  him,  and  what  cessions  of  territory  you  propose 
to  make." 

"Cessions  of  territory!"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "Yes,  that 
is  it!  You  want  to  render  me  powerless;  that  is  all  you  are 
fighting  for;  that  is  why  the  Eussians  and  Swedes  are  in 
Germany ;  that  is  why  the  Germans  accept  subsidies  at  the 
hands  of  England! — all  to  attain  a  single  object:  to  deprive 
me  of  my  power,  and  narrow  the  boundaries  of  France.  But 
do  you  think  that  the  Russians,  the  Swedes,  and  the  English, 
will  require  no  indemnities  for  services  rendered,  and  that 
they  will  very  conveniently  find  them  in  the  territories  which 
you  propose  to  wrest  from  me  ?  What  will  Germany  gain 
thereby?  She  will  have  rendered  France,  her  natural  ally,  so 
powerless  that  she  can  never  assist  her,  and,  in  return,  she 
will  have  secured  a  footing  in  Germany  to  her  three  natural 
enemies,  Russia — that  is,  barbarism ;  England — that  is,  foreign 
industry  and  commerce  in  colonial  goods;  Sweden — that  is, 
navigation  on  the  northern  shores.  But  you  will  do  all  this 
rather  than  leave  me  in  possession  of  my  power,  though  I  tell 
you  that  I  wish  to  fight  no  more,  but  long  for  repose.  Is  it 
not  so?" 

"Sire,"  said  Count  Meerfeldt,  in  a  low  voice,  "the  allied 
sovereigns  are,  perhaps,  familiar  with  the  words  of  Csesar,  who 
said  that  laurels,  if  they  were  not  to  wither,  should  be  often 
bathed  in  hostile  blood,  and  fed  every  year  with  soil  from 
new  fields  of  victory.  Your  majesty  being  the  modern  Caesar, 
the  allies  may  be  afraid  lest  you  should  adopt  this  maxim." 

"Yes,"  cried  Napoleon,  "you  are  afraid  of  the  very  sleep 
of  the  lion  j  you  fear  that  you  will  never  be  easy  before  having 


360  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

pared  his  nails  and  cut  his  mane.  Well,  then,  after  you  have 
placed  him  in  this  predicament,  what  will  be  the  consequence? 
Have  the  allied  sovereigns  reflected?  You  think  only  of 
repairing,  by  a  single  stroke,  the  calamities  of  twenty  years; 
and,  carried  away  by  this  idea,  you  never  perceive  the 
changes  which  time  has  made  around  you,  and  that  for 
Austria  to  gain  now,  at  the  expense  of  France,  is  to  lose. 
Tell  your  sovereign  to  take  that  into  consideration,  Count 
Meerfeldt;  it  is  neither  Austria,  nor  France,  nor  Prussia, 
singly,  that  will  be  able  to  arrest  on  the  Vistula  the  inunda- 
tion of  a  half-nomadic  people  essentially  conquering,  and 
whose  dominions  extend  to  China.  I  comprehend,  however, 
that  in  order  to  make  peace,  I  must  make  sacrifices  and  I 
am  ready  to  do  so.*  For  the  very  purpose  of  stating  this  to 
the  Emperor  Francis,  I  set  you  at  liberty,  provided  you  give 
me  your  parole  to  serve  no  longer  in  this  campaign  against 
France." 

"  Sire,  to  fight  against  France  has  been  so  painful  a  duty 
that  I  joyfully  give  my  word  to  serve  no  longer  unless  per- 
mitted to  do  so  for  France — that  is  to  say,  for  your  majesty." 

"  You  may  go,  then,  and  lay  my  proposals  before  the  Em- 
peror Francis.  You  will  tell  him  this :  I  offer  to  evacuate 
all  fortresses  in  Germany  to  the  Ehine,  and  consent  to  the 
dissolution  of  the  Confederation  of  the  Ehine.  I  am  ready  to 
restore  Illyria  and  Spain  to  their  former  sovereigns.  I  further 
consent  to  the  independence  of  Italy  and  Holland.  If 
England  refuses  to  grant  peace  on  the  seas,  we  will  try  to 
negotiate  it,  and  Austria  is  to  be  the  mediator."  f 

"Sire,  these  are  such  satisfactory  promises,"  cried  Count 
Meerfeldt,  "  that  I  am  afraid  my  mere  word  will  be  insuffi- 
cient to  convince  my  master  that  you  really  intend  to  grant 
so  much." 

"  I  will  give  you  a  letter  to  the  Emperor  Francis,  in  which 
I  shall  make  these  proposals,"  said  Napoleon,  quickly.  "  Yes, 
I  will  write  once  more  to  the  emperor.  Our  political  alliance 
is  broken,  but  between  your  master  and  me  there  is  another 
bond,  which  is  indissoluble.  That  is  what  I  invoke,  for  I 
always  place  confidence  in  the  regard  of  my  father-in-law." 

He  went  to  his  desk,  and  penned  a  few  lines  with  a  hasty 
hand,  folded,  sealed,  and  directed  the  letter.  "Here,"  he 
said,  approaching  the  count,  "  is  my  letter  to  my  father-in- 

*  Napoleon's  words.— Fain,  "  Manuscrit  de  1813,"  vol.  i.,  pp.  412,  414. 
tlbicl. 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LEIPSIC.  361 

law.  You  will  immediately  repair  te  him,  and  deliver  it  into 
his  hands.  The  emperor  will  communicate  it  to  the  other 
sovereigns,  and  they  will  take  their  resolutions  accordingly. 
Tell  him  that  I  shall  not  attack  to-morrow,  but  discontinue 
further  hostilities  until  I  have  received  his  answer;  and  that 
I  shall  certainly  expect  him  to  return  an  answer  by  to-morrow. 
Adieu,  general !  When  on  my  behalf  you  speak  to  the  two 
emperors  of  an  armistice,  I  doubt  not  the  voice  which  strikes 
their  ears  will  be  eloquent  indeed  in  recollections."  * 

"It  is  my  last  effort,"  murmured  the  emperor  to  himself, 
when  Count  Meerfeldt  had  left;  "if  it  fail,  nothing  but  a 
struggle  of  life  and  death  remains  to  me,  and,  by  Heaven,  I 
will  certainly  fight  it  out !  The  crisis  is  at  hand,  and  I  cannot 
evade  it.  I  will  meet  it  with  my  eyes  open.  The  laurels  of 
Marengo  and  Austerlitz  are  not  yet  withered.  To-morrow 
there  will  be  a  cessation  of  hostilities,  and  on  the  day  after 
to-morrow  peace,  or  war  to  the  last!" 

On  the  17th  of  October  no  hostilities  took  place.  Napoleon 
awaited  the  reply  of  his  father-in-law.  But  it  did  not  come; 
it  was  deemed  unnecessary  to  observe  the  forms  of  courtesy 
toward  him  before  whom,  only  a  year  ago,  they  had  prostrated 
themselves  so  often  in  the  dust. 

The  battle  recommenced  on  the  18th  of  October.  The 
booming  of  a  thousand  cannon  was  the  answer  of  the  allies. 
Napoleon,  with  only  three  hundred  cannon,  replied  that  he 
understood  this  answer  to  his  peace  propositions.  Upward  of 
three  hundred  thousand  soldiers  of  the  allies  filled  the  plains 
around  Leipsic.  Napoleon  had  scarcely  one  hundred  and 
twenty  thousand  to  oppose  to  them,  and  his  men  were  ex- 
hausted and  discouraged.  But  he  appeared  on  this  day  along 
the  whole  line,  encouraging  his  troops  by  his  cheerful  counte- 
nance and  his  brief  addresses.  He  seemed  to  infuse  fresh 
courage  and  enthusiasm  into  the  hearts  of  the  French.  They 
arose  with  the  heroism  of  former  days,  and  plunged  into  the 
thickest  of  the  fight ;  the  earth  trembled  beneath  the  thunder 
of  cannon,  the  cheers  of  the  victors,  and  the  imprecations  of 
the  vanquished.  The  French  did  not  yield  an  inch ;  they 
stood  like  a  wall,  broken  here  and  there,  but  the  gaps  filled  up 
again  in  a  moment,  and  those  who  had  taken  the  places  of  the 
fallen  exhibited  the  same  devoted  heroism,  for  Napoleon  was 
there. 

And  Blucher  was  also  there.    He  halted  opposite  the  enemy 

*  Napoleon's  words.— Vide  Beitzke,  vol.  ii.,  p.  592. 
24 


362  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

with  his  Silesian  army  (one-half  of  which  he  had  placed  undel 
the  crown  prince  of  Sweden),  composed  of  Russians  and  Prus- 
sians. Blucher,  too,  fired  the  hearts  of  his  men  by  energetic 
words,  and  they  fought  with  matchless  bravery,  for  they 
fought  before  the  eyes  of  their  general.  He  shared  with 
them  every  fatigue  and  danger;  he  drank  with  them,  when 
he  was  thirsty,  from  one  bottle ;  lighted  his  pipe  from  their 
pipes,  and  spoke  to  them,  not  in  the  condescending  tone  of  a 
master,  but  in  their  own  unreserved  and  cordial  manner. 
Rushing  onward  with  shouts  of  victory,  they  attacked  the 
enemy  with  irresistible  impetuosity,  forcing  the  French  to 
fall  back,  step  by  step. 

"Every  thing  is  going  on  right,  Gneisenau!"  exclaimed 
Blucher.  "Bonaparte  cannot  hold  out;  he  must  at  length 
retreat.  He  is  contracting  the  circle  of  his  troops  more  and 
more,  and  advancing  toward  Leipsic.  Ah,  I  understand,  M. 
Bonaparte;  you  want  to  march  through  Leipsic  and  keep 
open  the  passage  across  the  Saale!  But  it  won't  do — it  won't 
do!  For  Blucher  is  here,  and  his  eyes  are  yet  good. — A 
courier !  Come  here !  Ride  to  General  York !  He  is  to  set 
out  this  very  night  and  occupy  the  banks  of  the  Saaie,  and 
impede  as  much  as  possible  the  retreat  of  the  enemy,  who 
intends  to  fall  back  across  the  Saale. — Another  courier! 
Ride  to  General  Langeron !  He  is  to  return  to-night  to  the 
right  bank  of  the  Partha,  support  General  Sacken,  and,  as 
soon  as  the  enemy  begins  to  retreat,  pursue  him  with  the 
utmost  energy." 

"But,  general,"  said  Gneisenau,  when  the  courier  galloped 
off,  "  as  yet  Napoleon  does  not  seem  to  think  of  retreating. 
He  maintains  his  position  and  offers  a  bold  front." 

"He  will  not  do  so  to-morrow,"  said  Blucher,  laconically. 
"  If  we  do  to-day  what  we  can,  he  is  annihilated.  God  grant 
that  our  victory  may  be  followed  up,  and  that  they  may  not 
grow  soft-hearted  again  at  headquarters!  The  Emperor  of 
Austria  never  forgets  that  Bonaparte  is  his  son-in-law ;  nor  the 
crown  prince  of  Sweden  that  he  is  a  native  of  France,  and  he 
would  like  to  spare  his  countrymen  further  bloodshed;  nor 
the  Emperor  of  Russia,  that  at  Erfurt  he  plighted  eternal 
fidelity  to  Napoleon,  and  kissed  him  as  his  brother.  But  our 
king,  I  believe,  will  always  remember  that  Bonaparte  humili- 
ated and  oppressed  us,  and  that  Queen  Louisa  died  of  grief 
and  despair.  He  will  not  suffer  the  others  to  make  peace 
too  early,  and  cause  us  to  shed  our  blood  and  spend  our 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LEIPSIC.  363 

strength  for  nothing.  We  must  be  indemnified,  and  it  is  by 
no  means  enough  for  us  merely  to  gain  a  victory  over  Bona- 
parte. He  must  surrender  all  that  he  has  taken  from  us. 
Germany  must  have  satisfaction,  and  I  must  have  mine,  too ; 
for  the  anger  I  have  felt  for  years  has  almost  killed  me.  I 
want  to  be  even  with  him,  and  shall  not  rest  before  he  is 
hurled  from  his  throne. — What  is  going  on  there?  Why  are 
they  cheering  yonder?  Look,  Gneisenau,  one  of  the  enemy's 
columns  is  advancing  upon  us.  Do  you  hear  the  music? 
What  does  it  mean?" 

"It  means,  general,"  shouted  an  orderly,  who  galloped  up, 
"  that  the  Saxons  are  coming  over  to  us.  With  thirty-two 
field-pieces,  and  drums  beating,  they  have  left  the  lines  of  the 
French,  and,  when  these  tried  to  prevent  them,  they  turned 
their  bayonets  against  their  former  comrades." 

Blucher's  eye  lit  up.  "Well,"  he  said,  "now  they  will  no 
longer  extol  Bonaparte's  extraordinary  luck.  To-day  at  least 
he  has  none.  The  Saxons  have  felt  at  last  that  they  are 
Germans,  and  wish  to  purge  themselves  of  their  disgrace.  I 
say,  Gneisenau,  Bonaparte  must  retreat  to-morrow."  And 
what  Blucher  said  here  to  Gneisenau  was  what  Berthier  said 
to  Napoleon:  "  The  battle  is  lost!  We  must  retreat." 

Night  came.  It  is  true,  the  French  remained  on  the  field ; 
they  did  not  flee,  but  they  had  no  strength  to  continue  the 
battle;  their  ammunition  was  exhausted,  for  they  had  dis- 
charged on  this  day  an  incredible  amount  of  cannon-shot. 
Napoleon  felt  that  he  had  certainly  to  retreat,  and  submit 
to  what  was  inevitable.  At  the  camp-fire,  near  the  turf-mill, 
sat  the  emperor ;  his  generals  surrounded  him,  and  listened 
in  silence  to  his  words,  falling  from  his  lips  slowly  and  sadly. 
He  ordered  dispositions  to  be  made  for  a  retreat,  and  Berthier 
repeated  the  orders  to  his  two  adjutants,  who  were  kneeling 
on  the  other  side  of  the  camp-fire,  and  writing  them  down. 
Suddenly,  in  the  middle  of  a  sentence,  Napoleon  paused,  and 
his  head  dropped  on  his  breast.  The  emperor  had  fallen 
asleep  I 

His  generals,  respecting  this  respite  from  sorrow  and 
misfortune,  preserved  silence.  The  fire  shed  a  blood-red 
lustre  over  the  group;  at  times  the  flames  flickered  up 
higher,  and  illuminated  the  form  of  the  emperor,  who, 
with  his  head  on  his  breast,  his  arms  hanging  down  on  both 
sides  of  the  camp-stool,  his  body  gently  moving  to  and  fro, 
was  still  wrapped  in  slumber.  At  times,  when  the  fire  blazed 


364  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

up,  and  shed  a  flood  of  light  on  the  plain,  shadows  were  seen 
emerging  from  the  gloom,  and  a  long  line  moved  past.  It 
was  a  portion  of  the  imperial  army  already  retreating  toward 
Leipsic. 

A  quarter  of  an  hour  thus  elapsed  when  Napoleon  gave  a 
slight  start,  and,  raising  his  head,  cast  a  long  look  of  aston- 
ishment on  the  persons  surrounding  him.  His  sleep  had 
made  him  for  an  instant  forget  his  troubles,  but  the  sombre 
glances  of  his  generals  and  the  noise  of  the  troops  filing  by, 
reminded  him  of  what  had  happened.  His  eye  resumed  its 
calm  expression,  and,  in  a  firm,  sonorous  voice  he  recom- 
menced giving  his  orders.  Suddenly  a  whizzing  sound  was 
in  the  air  above  him — a  grenade  fell  to  the  ground  close  to 
the  t  emperor,  burrowed  into  the  earth,  and  scattered  the 
camp-fire. 

"It  is  a  cold  night,"  said  the  emperor,  composedly; 
"make  up  the  fire  again,  and  add  fresh  fuel!" 

The  adjutants  ran  to  collect  the  firebrands,  and  the  generals 
themselves  hastened  to  pile  on  the  fuel.  But  another  whiz- 
zing sound  rent  the  air,  and  another  grenade  fell  into  the 
fire,  which  had  just  blazed  up  again;  it  almost  extinguished 
the  flames,  and  remained  in  the  midst  of  the  coals. 

Napoleon  gazed  musingly  on  the  ball,  and  strange  thoughts 
probably  filled  his  soul  at  the  sight  of  this  messenger  at  his 
feet.*  "It  is  enough,"  he  said  calmly;  "no  more  fire  may 
be  kindled!  My  horse!  To  Leipsic!  I  will  spend  the  night 
there."  The  horses  were  brought;  attended  by  Berthier, 
Caulaincourt,  and  a  few  orderlies,  the  emperor  rode  to  Leipsic, 
and  took  up  his  quarters  at  the  Hotel  de  Prusse. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

THE   NINETEENTH   OF   OCTOBER. 

IT  was  eight  o'clock  on  the  following  morning.  A  dense 
fog  covered  Leipsic  as  with  an  impenetrable  veil,  and  ex- 
tended far  over  the  landscape.  No  one  could  see  as  yet,  in 
the  darkness  of  the  night,  what  had  been  done  by  friend  or 
foe.  At  times  the  allies  heard  loud  explosions,  and  saw 
flashes  on  the  side  of  the  French;  then  all  was  dark  and 
silent  again.  Suddenly,  however,  a  bright  glare  illuminated 

*Beitzke,  vol.  ii.,  p.  615. 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.        365 

the  night,  for  in  the  French  camp  large  fires  blazed,  and, 
like  a  flaming  serpent,  stretched  our  far  into  the  plain. 

"Ha!"  said  Blucher;  "Gneisenau,!  was  right  after  all: 
Bonaparte  is  retreating.  Do  you  kn^w  the  meaning  of  those 
fires?  The  French  have  placed  th  ±r  caissons  on  both  sides 
of  the  road,  and  set  them  on  fire,  that  they  may  serve  as 
beacons  to  the  retreating  troops.  See !  they  reach  up  to  the 
city  of  Leipsic.  It  is  as  I  said ;  the  French  intend  to  march 
through  that  city,  and  retreat  across  the  Saale.  Well,  I 
think  General  York  will  await  them  there,  and  Langeron  will 
finish  them.  But  come,  Gneisenau,  the  fog  is  clearing. 
Let  us  ride  to  yonder  knoll ;  we  shall  be  able  to  see  better 
there." 

With  the  nimbleuess  of  a  lad  Blucher  mounted  his  horse, 
and,  no  longer  restraining  his  impatience,  he  galloped  off. 
Gneisenau  rode  by  his  side,  and  at  some  distance  behind  him 
trotted  the  pipe-master,  with  the  iron  box  on  the  pommel 
of  his  saddle. 

They  reached  the  crest  of  the  knoll  and  stopped.  The 
fog  had  disappeared,  and  they  could  distinctly  see  a  field  of 
horror  and  desolation  as  far  as  their  eyes  reached.  The 
immense  plain  was  covered  far  and  wide  with  piles  of  corpses ; 
rivulets  of  blood  intersected  the  down-trodden  soil;  fragments 
of  wagons,  cannon,  and  vast  heaps  of  horses,  lay  in  wild 
disorder,  and  all  around  the  horizon  gleamed  the  dying  fires 
of  upward  of  twenty  villages. 

Blucher  cast  a  mournful  look  on  this  harrowing  spectacle. 
"Gneisenau,"  he  said,  "it  is  almost  impossible  for  one  to 
rejoice  over  this  victory,  for  it  costs  too  many  tears — too 
much  blood.  How  those  poor  brave  men  are  lying  there, 
dead  or  dying,  and  have  not  even  a  grave  at  which  their 
mothers  and  wives  may  weep!  May  the  good  God  in  heaven 
have  mercy  on  their  souls,  and  comfort  those  who  are  weep- 
ing for  them !  "  He  took  off  his  cap,  and,  shading  his  face 
with  it,  uttered  a  short,  low  prayer  for  the  repose  of  the 
dead.  With  a  quick  jerk  he  then  put  on  his  cap  again. 
"Well,"  he  said,  "we  have  prayed,  and  we  will  now  try  to 
find  that  accursed  Bonaparte,  who  is  at  the  bottom  of  all  this 
carnage,  and — " 

At  this  moment  the  pipe-master  galloped  up  to  his  general. 

"  Well,  what  do  you  want,  Christian?  " 

"The  morning  pipe,"  said  Christian,  presenting  the  short 
pipe  to  his  master. 


366  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Blucher  stretched  out  his  hand  for  it,  but  drew  it  back  and 
cast  a  glance  on  the  piles  of  dead  which  covered  the  battle- 
field. "No,  pipe-master,"  he  said,  solemnly,  "it  would  be 
unbecoming  to  smoke  here.  We  should  show  our  respect 
for  the  dead;  but  hold  the  pipe  in  readiness  for  me,  and 
when  we  ride  back  I  will  take  it.  Now,  get  out  of  my  way, 
that  I  may  no  longer  see  the  pipe,  else —  Begone,  Chris- 
tian!" 

"No,  I  shall  stay,"  said  the  pipe-master,  coolly;  "  I  have 
promised  the  general's  wife  always  to  stay  near  him,  and, 
besides,  you  will  soon  need  me,  for  you  will  not  stand  it  long 
without  your  pipe.  Call  me,  your  excellency,  when  you  want 
me."  He  moved  his  horse  a  few  steps  back,  and  was  busily 
occupied  in  keeping  the  general's  pipe  lit. 

Blucher  and  Gneisenau  in  the  mean  time  were  keenly  look- 
ing to  the  side  of  the  French  camp;  but  not  a  vestige  of  it 
was  to  be  seen.  There  could  be  no  doubt  now  that  Napoleon 
had  commenced  retreating;  he  had  profited  by  the  night  to 
remove  the  remnants  of  his  army  toward  Leipsic,  that  they 
might  still  be  able  to  cross  the  Saale  without  hinderance. 
Blucher  uttered  a  loud  cry  of  joy.  "  He  is  retreating!  Gnei- 
senau, am  I  right  now?" 

"  Yes,  general,  you  are.  With  your  sagacity  you  have 
divined  Napoleon's  plans  better  than  the  rest  of  us,  and, 
thanks  to  your  wise  dispositions,  he  will  find  Langeron  and 
Sacken  at  the  gates  of  Leipsic,  and  York  on  the  banks  of  the 
Saale." 

"My  dear  sir,  he  will  find  us,  too,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  in 
great  glee.  "  We  are  not  through  yet ;  I  know  Napoleon 
thoroughly.  You  think,  perhaps,  that  he  has  merely  rested 
at  Leipsic,  and  will  evacuate  the  city  without  fighting  ?  No, 
sir,  then  you  do  not  know  much  about  him.  He  will  not 
yield  an  inch  unless  he  must.  By  a  battle  in  and  around 
Leipsic,  he  intends  to  cover  the  retreat  of  his  army,  and  I 
tell  you,  Gneisenau,  we  shall  have  hard  work  yet.  Forward !" 

"Yes,  forward!"  cried  Gneisenau.  "We  must  dispatch 
couriers  to  all  the  generals,  and  send  them  the  glad  tidings." 

"Now  comes  the  last  assault,"  shouted  Blucher.  "We 
must  take  the  city  by  storm;  and  this  will  blow  Bonaparte 
over  the  Ehine,  and  back  to  France,  like  a  bundle  of  rags ! 
Forward!  Pipe-master,  my  pipe!  We  will  attack  them!" 

At  ten  in  the  morning  the  cannon  commenced  booming 
again  around  Leipsic.  The  city  was  attacked  on  all  sides  by 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.  367 

the  armies  of  the  allies.  In  the  south  stood  the  commander- 
in-chief,  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  with  the  Austrian  army;  in 
the  east,  the  Russian  General  Benuingsen  and  the  crown 
prince  of  Sweden;  in  the  north,  Blucher,  with  the  Prussians, 
and  the  Russian  corps  under  General  Sacken. 

"Charge!"  shouted  Blucher  to  his  troops.  "General 
Bulow  has  attacked  the  Halle  gate ;  we  must  hasten  to  his 
assistance,  for  the  French  are  stubborn." 

At  this  moment  another  volley  of  grape-shot  was  discharged 
from  the  pieces  which  the  French  had  placed  inside  the  city, 
and  hurled  death  and  destruction  into  the  ranks  of  the  assail- 
ants. 

"We  must  reenforce  Bulow,"  cried  Blucher!  "General 
Sacken  must  advance  his  troops!  We  must  hurl  light  in- 
fantry against  the  gate!  Charge!  Forward!"  And,  bran- 
dishing his  sword,  Blucher  galloped  to  the  side  of  General 
Sacken,  who  was  moving  with  the  Russians  toward  the 
point  of  attack. 

"Forward!"  thundered  Blucher  to  the  troops.  The 
Russians  did  not  understand  him,  but  they  saw  his  counte- 
nance radiant  with  impatience  and  warlike  ardor,  his  flashing 
eyes,  and  uplifted  hand  pointing  the  sword  at  the  gate,  and 
they  understood  his  meaning. 

"Perod!"  shouted  the  Russians,  exultingly.  "Forward! 
Perod!" 

The  grape-shot  of  the  enemy,  and  the  rattling  fire  of  the 
French  skirmishers  behind  the  walls,  drowned  their  shouts. 
But  when  the  artillery  ceased  and  the  smoke  disappeared,  they 
saw  again  the  face  of  the  old  general  with  his  young  eyes, 
and  the  long  white  mustache.  He  halted  on  his  horse  in 
the  midst  of  the  shower  of  bullets  fired  by  the  skirmishers, 
and  uttered  again  and  again  his  favorite  command. 

"  Marshal  Perod !"  shouted  the  Russians.  "He  is  a  little 
Suwarrow !  Long  live  little  Suwarrow !  Long  live  Marshal 
Forward!"  and,  amid  renewed  battle-cries  in  honor  of 
Blucher,  and  with  resistless  impetuosity,  the  Russians  as- 
saulted the  gate. 

While  these  scenes  were  passing  outside  the  city,  Napoleon 
remained  within.  He  had  sat  up  till  daylight  with  Caulain- 
court  and  Bertnier,  receiving  reports  and  issuing  orders; 
toward  morning  he  had  slept  a  little,  and  now,  at  ten  o'clock, 
he  dictated  his  last  orders  to  the  two  generals.  In  the  streets 
were  heard  the  roar  of  artillery,  the  crashing  of  falling 


368  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

buildings,  the  wails,  shrieks,  and  shouts  of  the  terrified 
inhabitants.  The  field-pieces  rattled  past,  regiments  trotted 
along,  and  disappeared  around  the  corners,  constituting  a 
scene  of  indescribable  terror  and  destruction;  but  here,  in 
the  emperor's  room,  every  thing  presented  a  spectacle  of 
peace  and  repose.  Caulaincourt  and  Berthier  sat  at  their 
desks,  writing.  The  emperor  was  slowly  walking  up  and 
down.  He  did  not  even  listen  to  the  noise  outside;  he 
dictated  his  orders  in  a  calm,  firm  voice,  and  his  face  was  as 
immovable  as  usual. 

"Marshal  Macdonald,"  said  the  emperor,  concluding  his 
instructions,  "  is  commissioned  to  defend  the  city  and  the 
suburbs;  for  this  purpose  he  will  have  his  own  corps,  and 
those  of  Lauriston,  Poniatowsky,  and  Eeynier.  He  will  hold 
the  city  until  the  corps  of  Marmont  and  Ney  have  evacuated 
it,  and  the  rear-guard  safely  withdrawn.  As  soon  as  these 
troops  have  crossed  the  Pleisse,  the  bridge  will  be  blown  up." 
He  nodded  to  his  generals,  and,  striding  across  the  room, 
opened  the  door  of  the  antechamber.  "  To  horse,  gentlemen !" 
he  shouted  to  the  generals  assembled  there.  "  We  must  start 
for  Erfurt !"  He  slowly  descended  the  staircase  and  mounted 
his  horse,  the  generals  and  adjutants  following  him  in  silence. 

But  the  emperor  did  not  turn  his  horse  toward  the  side 
where  the  troops  were  marching  along  in  heavy  columns;  he 
rode  to  the  market-place,  and  halted  in  front  of  a  large,  old- 
fashioned  house  in  the  middle  of  the  square.  The  King  of 
Saxony  and  his  consort  lived  there.  "  Wait !"  said  the  em- 
peror to  his  suite,  alighting  from  his  horse,  and  walking  past 
the  saluting  sentinels  into  the  house. 

In  the  small  sitting-room  up-stairs  were  old  King  Frederick 
Augustus,  his  consort,  and  the  Princess  Augusta.  The  king 
sat  with  his  hands  folded  on  his  knees,  and  his  lustreless 
eye  fixed  on  the  windows,  trembling  incessantly  from  the 
roar  of  artillery  and  the  rattle  of  musketry.  The  queen  was 
near  him,  and  whenever  the  volleys  resounded,  she  groaned, 
and  covered  her  face  with  her  handkerchief,  which  wa, 
already  moist  with  tears.  The  Princess  Augusta  knelt  in  a 
corner  of  the  room,  praying,  while  tears  were  rolling  down 
her  cheeks. 

"  Oh,"  murmured  the  queen  when  another  rattle  of  musketry 
rent  the  air,  "why  does  not  a  bullet  strike  my  heart!" 

"Father  in  heaven,  and  all  saints,  have  mercy  on  us!" 
prayed  the  princess. 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.        369 

"  Grant  victory  to  the  great  and  noble  Emperor  Napoleon, 
my  God!"  sighed  the  king.  "  I  love  him  as  a  father,  and  he 
has  always  treated  me  with  the  love  of  a  son.  I  have  remained 
faithful  to  him  when  all  the  others  betrayed  him.  Punish 
not  my  constancy,  therefore,  my  Lord  and  God ;  grant  victory 
to  Napoleon,  that  happiness  may  be  restored  to  me!" 

A  cry  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  queen,  and  she  started  up 
from  her  seat.  "The  emperor!"  she  cried,  looking  toward 
the  door. 

Yes,  in  the  open  door  that  form  in  the  gray,  buttoned-up 
overcoat,  with  the  small  hat,  and  pale,  stony  face,  was  the 
Emperor  Napoleon's.  "I  come  to  bid  you  farewell,"  he 
said,  stepping  slowly  and  calmly  to  the  king. 

"Farewell!"  groaned  Frederick  Augustus,  sinking  back. 
"All  is  lost,  then!" 

"No,  not  all,  sire,"  said  Napoleon,  solemnly,  "We  have 
lost  a  battle,  but  not  our  honor.  The  fortune  of  battles  is 
fickle.  After  twenty  years  of  victory,  it  has  this  time  declared 
against  me.  But  honor  remains  to  me.  I  have,  for  four 
days,  held  out  against  an  army  three  times  as  large  as  mine  in 
troops,  as  well  as  in  artillery,  and  they  have  not  overpowered 
me.  I  have  voluntarily  evacuated  the  battle-field,  not  in  a 
wild  flight  as  did  the  Prussians  at  Jena,  and  the  Austrians  at 
Austerlitz.  Our  honor  is  intact.  With  that  we  must  con- 
tent ourselves  this  time." 

"Oh,  sire,"  cried  the  king,  with  tearful  eyes,  "how  gener- 
ous you  are!  You  speak  of  our  honor !  But  /  have  lost  my 
honor,  for  my  troops  have  committed  treason — they  deserted 
my  noble,  beloved  ally  during  the  battle!  Oh,  sire,  pardon 
me!  I  am  innocent  of  the  defection  of  my  troops!"  And, 
rising,  the  king  made  a  movement  as  if  to  kneel ;  but  Napo- 
leon held  him  in  his  arms,  and  then  gently  pressed  him  back 
into  the  easy-chair.  "Sire,"  he  said,  "treason  is  a  disease 
which,  by  this  time,  has  become  an  epidemic  in  Germany. 
All  those  who  are  now  fighting  against  me  are  traitors,  for  all 
of  them  were  my  allies,  and,  while  still  negotiating  with  me, 
they  had  already  formed  a  league  against  me.  Your  Saxons 
were  infected  by  the  troops  from  Bavaria,  Wurtemberg,  and 
Baden." 

"Alas,"  sighed  the  king,  "I  had  a  better  opinion  of  my 
Saxons !  They  have  turned  traitors,  and  my  heart  will  always 
remain  inconsolable." 

"But  this  is  no  time  for  giving  way  to  grief,"  said  Napo- 


370  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

leon.  "  Your  majesty  must  leave  Leipsic  immediately.  You 
must  not  expose  yourself  to  the  dangers  of  a  capitulation, 
which,  unfortunately,  has  become  unavoidable.  Come,  sire, 
intrust  yourself  to  my  protection.  By  my  side,  and  in  the 
midst  of  my  troops,  you  will  be  safe." 

"No,"  said  the  king,  resolutely;  "I  remain!  Let  them 
kill  me;  I  am  tired  of  the  dangers  of  flight!  But  you,  sire, 
you  must  make  haste!  Leave  us! — your  precious  life  must 
not  be  endangered!  Every  minute  renders  the  peril  more 
imminent !  Hasten  to  preserve  yourself  to  your  people,  your 
consort,  and  your  son!" 

"  My  son!"  said  Napoleon,  and  for  the  first  time  something 
like  an  expression  of  pain  flashed  over  his  features.  "  Poor 
little  King  of  Eome,  from  whose  blond  ringlets  his  own  grand- 
father wants  to  tear  the  crown!"  He  dropped  his  head  on  his 
breast. 

"Sire,  make  haste!"  implored  the  king. — "Make  haste!" 
echoed  the  queen  and  the  princess. 

At  this  moment  there  was  a  terrific  roar  of  artillery.  The 
queen  buried  her  face  in  her  hands;  the  princess  had  knelt 
again  and  prayed ;  the  king  leaned  his  head  against  the  back 
of  the  chair,  pale  as  a  corpse,  and  with  his  eyes  closed.  Napo- 
leon alone  stood  erect;  his  face  was  calm  and  inscrutable;  his 
glances  were  turned  toward  the  windows,  and  he  seemed  to 
listen  eagerly  to  the  thunders  of  war. 

The  door  was  violently  opened,  and  General  Caulaincourt 
appeared,  pale  and  breathless. 

"Sire,"  he  said,  " you  must  leave !  Bernadotte  has  taken 
one  of  the  suburbs  by  assault,  and  the  forces  of  Blucher, 
Benningsen,  and  Schwartzenberg,  are  pouring  in  on  all  sides 
into  the  city,  so  that  our  troops  are  compelled  to  defend  them- 
selves from  house  to  house." 

"Sire,  have  mercy! — save  yourself!"  cried  the  king.  "I 
can  no  longer  help  you,  no  longer  support  you !  I  have  noth- 
ing left  to  give  you — nothing  but  my  life,  and  that  is  of  no 
value!  Save  yourself,  unless  you  want  me  to  die  at  your  feet!" 

"Sire,"  exclaimed  Caulaincourt,  "every  minute  increases 
the  danger.  A  quarter  of  an  hour  hence  your  majesty  may, 
perhaps,  be  unable  to  get  out  of  the  captured  city." 

Napoleon  turned  with  a  haughty  movement  toward  his  gen- 
eral. "  Nonsense,"  he  said,  "have  I  not  a  sword  at  my  side? 
But,  as  you  wish  me  to  go,  sire — as  you  are  alarmed,  I  will 
leave!  Farewell!  May  we  meet  in  happier  circumstances!" 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.        371 

"Sire,  up  there!"  said  the  king,  solemnly,  pointing  toward 
heaven.  He  then  quickly  rose  from  his  seat,  and  approach- 
ing Napoleon,  who  had  taken  leave  of  the  queen  and  the 
princess,  took  his  arm  and  conducted  him  hastily  out  of 
the  room,  through  the  corridor,  and  down  the  staircase.  At 
the  foot  he  stood,  and  clasping  the  emperor  in  his  arms, 
whispered,  "  Farewell,  sire;  I  feel  it  is  forever!  I  shall  await 
you  in  heaven!  Not  another  word  now,  sire!  Make  haste!" 
He  turned,  and  slowly  reascended  the  staircase.  The  em- 
peror mounted  his  horse,  and  directed  his  course  toward  the 
gate  of  Eanstadt.  Behind  him  rode  Berthier,  Caulaincourt, 
and  a  few  generals ;  a  mounted  escort  followed  them. 

The  streets  presented  a  spectacle  of  desolation  and  horror, 
which,  the  closer  they  approached  the  gate,  became  more 
heart-rending.  Field-pieces,  caissons,  soldiers  on  foot  and  on 
horseback,  screaming  women,  wounded  and  dying  cows, 
sheep,  and  swine,  entangled  in  an  enormous  mass,  made  it 
impossible  to  pass  that  way.  Napoleon  turned  his  horse,  and 
took  the  road  to  St.  Peter's  gate.  Slowly,  and  with  perfect 
composure,  he  rode  through  Cloister  and  Burg  Streets.  Not 
a  muscle  of  his  face  betrayed  any  uneasiness  or  embarrassment; 
it  was  grave  and  inscrutable  as  usual. 

When  he  arrived  at  the  inner  St.  Peter's  gate,  he  found 
the  crowd  and  confusion  to  be  nearly  as  great  as  at  that  of 
Eanstadt;  he  did  not  turn  his  horse,  but  said,  in  a  loud 
voice,  "Clear  a  passage!"  The  generals  and  the  mounted 
escort  immediately  rode  forward,  and,  unsheathing  their 
swords  and  spurring  their  horses,  galloped  into  the  midst  of 
the  crowd,  driving  back  those  who  could  flee,  trampling  under 
foot  those  who  did  not  fall  back  quick  enough,  and  removing 
the  obstacles  which  obstructed  their  passage.  In  five  minutes 
a  way  was  cleared  for  the  emperor — the  wounded  lying  on 
both  sides,  and  a  few  corpses  in  the  middle  of  the  street, 
showed  how  violently  the  cortege  had  penetrated  the  obstruct- 
ing mass.  The  emperor  took  no  notice  of  this ;  he  was  silent 
and  indifferent,  while  his  escort  attacked  the  crowd,  and  rode 
on  as  if  nothing  had  occurred. 

At  length  the  city  lay  behind  him ;  he  had  passed  the  bridge 
across  the  Elster,  and  reached  the  mill  of  Lindenau,  where 
he  intended  to  establish  his  headquarters.  Constant  and 
Roustan  had  already  reached  the  place  with  the  emperor's 
carriages,  and  prepared  a  room  for  him.  Napoleon  rapidly 
stepped  into  it,  and,  greeting  Constant  with  a  nod,  he  said, 


372  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Only  a  little  patience!  In  a  week  we  shall  be  in  Paris,  and 
there  you  shall  all  have  plenty  of  repose !  We  shall  leave  our 
beautiful  France  no  more !  Ah,  how  the  Empress  will  rejoice, 
and  how  charming  it  will  be  for  me  again  to  embrace  the  little 
King  of  Home!" 

It  was  touching  and  mournful,  indeed,  to  hear  this  man, 
usually  so  cold  and  reserved,  this  general  who  had  just  lost  a 
great  battle,  speak  of  his  return  home  and  his  child  in  so  gentle 
and  affectionate  a  tone,  and  to  see  how  his  rigid  features  became 
animated  under  the  charm  of  his  recollections,  and  how  the 
faint  glimmer  of  a  mournful  smile  stole  upon  his  lips.  But  it 
soon  disappeared,  and,  with  a  sigh,  the  emperor  drooped  his 
head. 

"Your  majesty  ought  to  try  to  sleep  a  little,"  said  Con- 
stant, in  an  imploring  voice. 

"Yes,  sleep!"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "To  sleep  is  to  for- 
get!" 

It  was  the  first,  the  only  complaint  which  he  allowed  to 
escape  his  lips,  and  he  seemed  to  regret  it,  for,  while  he  threw 
himself  on  the  field-bed,  he  cast  a  gloomy  glance  on  Constant, 
and,  as  if  to  prove  how  easy  it  was  for  him  to  forget,  he  fell 
asleep  in  a  few  minutes. 

From  the  neighboring  city  resounded  the  artillery,  indi- 
cating the  final  struggle  of  the  French  and  the  allies.  The 
emperor's  slumber  was  not  disturbed,  for  the  roar  of  battle 
was  too  familiar  to  him.  Suddenly,  however,  there  was  a 
terrific  explosion  that  shook  the  earth;  the  windows  of  the 
room  were  shattered  to  pieces,  and  the  bed  on  which  the 
emperor  was  reposing  was  pushed  from  the  wall  as  if  by 
invisible  arms.  He  sprang  to  his  feet  and  glanced  wonder- 
ingly  around.  "  What  was  that?"  he  inquired.  "  It  was  no 
discharge  of  artillery,  it  was  an  explosion!"  He  quickly  left 
the  mill  and  stepped  out  of  the  front  door.  There  stood  the 
generals,  and  looked  in  evident  anxiety  toward  Leipsic.  Here 
and  there  bright  flames  were  bursting  from  the  roofs  of  the 
houses;  one-half  of  the  city  was  wrapped  in  clouds  of  smoke, 
so  that  it  was  impossible  to  distinguish  any  thing. 

"An  explosion  has  taken  place  there,"  said  Napoleon,  point> 
ing  to  that  side. 

At  this  moment  several  horsemen  galloped  rapidly  toward 
the  mill ;  they  were  headed  by  the  King  of  Naples  in  his 
uniform,  decked  with  glittering  orders.  A  few  paces  from 
the  emperor  he  stopped  his  horse  and  alighted. 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.        373 

"  Mu  rat,"  shouted  the  emperor  to  him,  "what  has  hap- 
pened?" 

"Sire,"  he  said,  "a  terrible  calamity  has  occurred.  The 
bridge  across  the  Elster,  the  only  remaining  passage  over  the 
river,  has  been  blown  up!" 

"And  our  troops?"  cried  the  emperor. 

"  Sire,  the  rear-guard,  twenty  thousand  strong,  are  still  on 
the  opposite  bank,  and  unable  to  escape." 

The  emperor  uttered  a  cry,  half  of  pain,  half  of  anger. 
"Ah,"  he  exclaimed,  "this,  then,  is  the  way  in  which  my 
orders  are  carried  out!  My  God!  twenty  thousand  brave 
men  are  lost — hopelessly  lost!"  He  struck  both  his  hands 
against  his  temples. 

No  one  dared  disturb  him;  his  generals  surrounded  him, 
silent  and  gloomy.  Presently,  some  horsemen  galloped  up ; 
at  their  head  was  a  general,  hatless  and  in  a  dripping  uniform. 

"Sire,  there  comes  Marshal  Macdonald,"  exclaimed  Murat. 

Napoleon  hastened  forward  to  meet  the  marshal,  who  had 
just  jumped  from  his  horse. 

"You  come  out  of  the  water,  marshal?"  inquired  Napo- 
leon, pointing  to  his  wet  uniform. 

"  Yes,  sire.  By  swimming  my  horse  across,  I  have  escaped 
to  this  side  of  the  river,  and  I  come  to  inform  your  majesty 
that  the  troops  intrusted  to  me  have  perished  through  no 
fault  of  mine.  Sire,  they  were  twenty  thousand  strong,  and 
I  come  back  alone.  I  come  to  lay  my  life  at  the  feet  of  your 
majesty." 

"God  be  praised  that  you  at  least  have  been  preserved," 
said  the  emperor,  offering  his  hand  to  Macdonald.  "  But  you 
say  the  troops  have  perished?  Is,  then,  that  impossible  foi 
the  soldiers  which  was  possible  for  you?  Cannot  they  swim 
across  to  this  side  of  the  river?" 

"  Sire,  my  escape  was  almost  miraculous.  I  owe  it  to  my 
horse,  who  carried  me  across  in  the  agony  of  despair ;  I  owe 
it  to  God,  who,  perhaps,  wished  to  preserve  a  faithful  and 
devoted  servant  to  your  majesty.  But,  by  my  side,  no  less 
faithful  servants  were  carried  away,  and,  standing  on  the 
other  bank,  I  saw  their  corpses  drifting  along." 

"Who  were  they?"  asked  Napoleon,  abruptly,  and  almost 
in  a  harsh  tone. 

"Sire,  General  Dumoustier  was  one;  but  he  is  not  the 
victim  most  to  be  lamented  of  this  disastrous  day." 

"  Who  is  it?"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  and,  casting  around 


374  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

a  hasty,  anxious  glance,  he  seemed  to  count  his  attendants  to 
see  who  was  missing. 

"  Sire,"  said  Macdonald,  in  a  trembling  voice,  "  Prince 
Joseph  Poniatowsky  plunged  with  his  horse  into  the  river — " 

"And  he  perished?"  cried  Napoleon. 

"  Yes,  sire,  he  did  not  reach  the  opposite  bank!" 

The  emperor  buried  his  face  in  his  hands,  and  groaned. 
He  sat  for  some  time  motionless.  At  length  he  removed  his 
hands  from  his  face,  which  looked  like  marble,  bloodless  and 
cold. 

"  And  my  soldiers?"  he  inquired.  "  Did  they  endeavor  to 
escape  as  Poniatowsky?" 

"  Yes,  sire !  Thousands  threw  themselves  into  the  river, 
but  only  a  few  succeeded  in  escaping,  while  the  others  fell 
into  the  deep  and  muddy  channel ;  and  those  who  were  on 
the  opposite  bank  were  made  prisoners  by  the  allies,  who 
are  now  in  possession  of  the  city." 

"Twenty  thousand  men  lost!"  sighed  Napoleon,  and  he 
relapsed  into  gloomy  thought.  Presently  he  raised  his  head 
again  and  cast  a  flaming  glance  on  Macdonald. 

"Marshal,"  he  said,  "you  will  investigate  this  affair  in  the 
most  rigorous  manner ;  you  will  give  me  the  name  of  him  who 
has  dared  to  disobey  my  orders.  He  is  the  murderer  of 
twenty  thousand  men !  He  deserves  death,  and  I  shall  have 
no  mercy  on  him!" 

"  Sire,  he  stands  already  before  his  Supreme  Judge !  It 
was  the  corporal  charged  with  applying  the  match  as  soon  as 
our  troops  had  all  passed.  He  thought  he  saw  the  enemy 
advancing  upon  the  bridge,  and  fired  the  train,  throwing 
himself  into  the  Elster.  He  is  drowned !" 

"  It  is  good  for  him,"  said  Napoleon.  "  God  will  deal  more 
leniently  with  him  than  I  should  have  done.  To  horse, 
gentlemen,  to  horse!"  He  walked  slowly  and  with  bowed 
head  to  his  horse,  and  murmured,  "Another  Beresina!  It 
costs  me  twenty  thousand  soldiers!" 

The  generals  followed  him,  and  as  they  saw  him  walking 
with  bowed  head,  they  whispered  to  one  another,  "  Look  at 
him  now,  how  he  is  broken  down !  That  was  his  very  ap- 
pearance when  he  returned  from  Kussia !  He  has  no  strength 
to  bear  up  under  misfortune!" 

While  the  emperor  and  his  suite  slowly  and  mournfully 
took  the  road  to  Mark  Ranstadt,  the  allies  made  their  entrance 
into  Leipsic.  At  the  head  of  the  procession  rode  the  Em- 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.  375 

peror  of  Eussia  and  the  King  of  Prussia ;  behind  them  fol- 
lowed their  brilliant  staff,  and  then  came  the  victorious 
troops,  with  colors  flying  and  drums  beating.  The  cannon 
still  thundered,  but  louder  were  the  cheers  and  exultant 
acclamations  of  the  people,  who  crowded  the  streets  by 
thousands,  to  receive  the  sovereigns  and  the  victorious  army. 
The  windows  of  the  houses  were  opened,  and  at  them  stood 
their  inmates  with  joyful  faces,  holding  white  handkerchiefs 
in  their  hands,  with  which  they  waved  their  greetings.  The 
friends — the  long-yearned-for  friends  were  there,  and  they 
received  them  with  tears,  exultation,  and  thanksgiving. 
Merry  chimes  rang  from  every  steeple,  and  proclaimed  the 
resurrection  of  Germany.  The  sovereigns  rode  to  the  great 
square ;  they  halted  in  front  of  the  very  house  of  the  King  of 
Saxony,  but  they  turned  no  glance  upward  to  the  windows, 
behind  the  closed  blinds  of  which  the  unfortunate  royal 
family  were  assembled.  The  victors  seemed  to  have  forgotten 
them. 

The  two  monarchs  alighted,  for  now  came  from  the  other 
side  the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  Bernadotte,  at  the  head  of 
his  guards,  and  through  the  other  street  approached  the  com- 
mander-in-chief  of  the  allies,  Prince  Schwartzenberg.  The 
Russian  emperor  and  the  Prussian  king  advanced  into  the 
middle  of  the  square,  and  Bernadotte  and  Schwartzenberg 
arrived  there  simultaneously  with  them.  Suddenly,  deafen- 
ing cheers  rent  the  air;  they  drew  nearer,  and  amid  these 
acclamations  Blucher,  at  the  head  of  his  staff,  rode  up. 
When  he  perceived  the  monarchs,  he  stopped  his  horse  and 
vaulted  with  youthful  agility  from  the  saddle  in  order  to 
meet  them;  but  the  Emperor  Alexander,  anticipating  him, 
was  by  his  side.  "God  bless  you,  heroic  Blucher!"  he  ex- 
claimed, affectionately  embracing  him.  "  You  have  fulfilled 
your  promise  made  at  Breslau.  You  have  become  the  libera- 
tor of  Germany.  Your  brave  sword  and  your  intrepid  heart 
have  conquered.  Come,  I  must  conduct  you  to  the  King  of 
Prussia!"  He  took  Blucher's  arm,  and,  advancing  with  him, 
he  said,  "Sire,  I  bring  you  here  your  hero,  Blucher!" 

"You  bring  me  Field-Marshal  Blucher!"  said  the  king. 
"God  bless  you,  field-marshal!" 

"Sire,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  "you  apply  to  me  an  honorary 
title— 

"Which  you  deserve,"  interrupted  the  king.  "Do  not 
thank  me,  for,  if  you  do,  for  conferring  a  title  on  you,  how 


376  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

shall  I  thank  you,  who  have  given  me  by  far  greater  honor? 
I  know  what  I  owe  you,  Blucher;  your  energy,  courage, 
determination,  and  ardor,  have  gained  us  the  most  glorious 
victories!" 

"I  have  only  done  my  duty,  your  majesty,"  said  Blucher. 
"But  I  think  our  work  is  not  half  done  yet,  your  majesty, 
we  are  to-day  in  fact  only  at  the  commencement  of  it.  It  is 
not  enough  for  us  to  drive  the  French  from  Leipsic;  we  must 
pursue  them,  and  expel  them  from  Germany.  For  this  pur- 
pose we  must  make  haste.  We  have  no  time  to  rest  on  our 
laurels  and  sing  hymns — the  main  point  is  to  pursue  the 
enemy — pursue  him  incessantly  and  effectually." 

"  Again,  the  hot-headed  madcap,  whose  fiery  spirit  believes 
that  every  thing  is  done  too  slowly,"  exclaimed  the  Emperor 
Alexander,  smiling.  "  Now  I  ask  you,  as  the  king  asked 
you  at  Breslau,  'How  old  are  you?' — you  who  never  need 
rest,  like  other  poor  mortals — myself,  for  instance?  I  con- 
fess that,  after  all  this  excitement  and  these  long  fatigues,  I 
am  longing  for  repose,  and  would  not  take  it  amiss  if  war  and 
pursuit  were  no  longer  thought  of.  But  you  are  always  intent 
on  going  forward!" 

"Sire,"  exclaimed  the  king,  who  in  the  mean  time  had 
conversed  with  General  Sacken,  "  I  just  learn  that  your  troops 
have  anticipated  me,  and  given  Blucher  a  title  that  is  far 
better  than  mine.  At  the  gate  of  Halle  they  cheered,  and 
called  him  'Marshal  Forward!'  " 

"  Ah,  I  should  like  to  embrace  my  soldiers  for  this  excel- 
lent word,"  cried  Alexander.  "That  is  an  honorary  title, 
Blucher,  which  no  prince  can  confer,  and  which  only  your 
own  merit  and  the  gratitude  of  the  people  can  bestow.  Yes, 
you  are  'Marshal  Forward,'  and  by  that  name  history  will 
know  you;  and  Germany  will  love,  praise,  and  bless  you. 
You  have  earned  this  title  by  your  deeds,  and  the  soldiers 
have  conferred  it  upon  you  as  a  token  of  their  appreciation. 
Now,  the  soldiers  are  a  part  of  the  people,  and  the  voice  of 
the  people  is  the  voice  of  God.  Heaven  bless  you,  'Marshal 
Forward!' " 

At  this  moment  a  procession  was  approaching  from  the 
other  side  of  the  square,  consisting  of  twenty-four  young 
maidens  dressed  in  white.  All  held  wreaths  in  their  hands, 
while  the  three  who  headed  the  procession  carried  them  on 
silken  cushions.  They  approached  the  emperor,  the  king, 
and  the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  and  offered  them  the 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.  377 

wreaths.*  The  emperor  took  that  presented  to  him,  and 
pressed  it  with  a  quick  and  graceful  movement  on  Blucher's 
head.  "I  represent  the  Muse  of  History,"  he  said,  "and 
crown  'Marshal  Forward'  in  a  becoming  manner." 

"And  I,"  said  the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  handing  his 
laurel- wreath  to  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  "  I  present  this  to 
the  commander-in-chief  of  all  our  armies,  and  wish  him  joy 
of  having  achieved  a  victory  over  which  so  many  nations  will 
rejoice,  and  which  will  render  his  name  illustrious  now  and 
forever." 

"Ah,"  cried  Schwartzenberg,  "I  have  unfortunately  been 
unable  to  do  much.  I  have  only  faithfully  carried  out  my 
orders,  and  it  is  to  them,  and  to  the  brave  troops,  that  we  are 
indebted  for  the  victory."! 

The  king  said  nothing;  holding  his  wreath,  he  looked  at 
it  gravely  and  musingly.  The  presentations  were  over,  and 
the  princes  prepared  to  return  to  their  quarters. 

"I  hope,  sire,  we  shall  all  remain  together  to-day?"  re- 
marked Alexander,  turning  toward  the  king. 

"Pray  excuse  me,  sire,"  said  Frederick  William,  bowing, 
"  I  intend  to  go  to  Berlin  to-night,  but  I  shall  be  back  in  a  few 
days." 

"But  you,  I  suppose,  will  remain?"  asked  Alexander, 
turning  toward  Bernadotte. 

"I  shall  remain,  your  majesty,"  said  the  crown  prince  of 
Sweden,  with  a  polite  smile.  "  My  troops  are  in  need  of 
rest." 

"Yes,  his  troops  are  always  in  need  of  rest,"  murmured 
Blucher  to  himself;  "I  believe — " 

Just  then  the  Emperor  Alexander  turned  toward  him. 
"  Well,  field-marshal,  and  you — you  will  stay,  too,  will  you 
not?  I  pray  you  to  be  my  guest  to-day." 

"  Sire,  I  regret  that  I  cannot  accept  this  gracious  invita- 
tion," said  Blucher.  "I  cannot  stay,  and  my  troops,  thank 
God!  are  not  in  need  of  rest.  I  shall  start  immediately  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy.  It  is  not  enough  for  us  to  have  gained 
a  victory ;  we  must  also  know  how  to  profit  by  it.  I  shall 
march  this  very  evening,  and  take  up  my  quarters  for  the 
night  at  Skeuditz." 

"Marshal  Forward!  always  Marshal  Forward!"  exclaimed 

*  The  emperor  of  Austria  did  not  make  his  entry  with  the  other  monarchs,  but 
came  only  in  the  ufternoon  to  Leipsic,  where  he  remained  scarcely  an  hour.  He 
then  returned  to  Rfitha. — Beitzke,  vol.  11. 

t  Prince  Schwartzenberg's  words.— Beitzke,  ii.,  639 


378  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Alexander,  smiling. — "Come,  sire,  let  us  hasten  to  dinner; 
otherwise  he  will  not  even  permit  us  to  dine,  but  compel  us 
all  to  set  out  immediately."  He  took  the  king's  arm,  and 
went  with  him  to  the  horses  standing  near.  When  he  was 
about  to  vault  into  the  saddle,  he  turned  toward  one  of  his 
adjutants.  "Ah,"  he  said,  "there  is  another  little  matter 
which  I  almost  forgot! — General  Petrowitch,  go  up  there." 
He  pointed  to  the  house  of  the  King  of  Saxony.  "  Inform 
the  king,  in  my  name,  that  he  is  a  prisoner.  *  Have  a  guard 
of  thirty  men  placed  in  front  of  the  house." 

On  the  same  evening  Blucher  rode,  by  the  side  of  Gneisenau 
and  attended  by  his  staff,  out  of  the  gate  of  Leipsic,  following 
his  troops  already  on  the  road  to  Skeuditz.  "Well, "said 
Blucher,  smoking  his  pipe,  "  we  cannot  deny  that  there  has 
been  an  abundant  shower  of  orders  and  titles  to-day,  and  that 
we  have  all  been  thoroughly  drenched.  So  I  am  a  field- 
marshal  now:  the  Emperor  of  Austria  has  conferred  on  me 
the  order  of  Maria  Theresa;  and  the  Emperor  of  Kussia  has 
given  me  a  splendid  sword,  which  I  will  send  as  a  souvenir  to 
my  Amelia.  And  you,  Gneisenau,  I  hope  you  have  also 
received  your  share?" 

"Why,  yes,"  said  Gneisenau,  "I  have  received  titles  from 
all  the  three  monarchs.  You  are  right,  there  was  all  day  a 
perfect  shower  of  them — orders  and  honors ;  and  not  a  general, 
not  a  dignitary  or  diplomatist  has  been  forgotten.  Count 
Metternich,  you  know,  has  been  raised  by  his  sovereign  to  the 
rank  of  a  prince,  in  acknowledgment  of  his  diplomatic 
services;  and  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  already  enjoying  the 
highest  Austrian  honors,  has  received  permission  to  add  the 
escutcheon  of  the  Hapsburgs  to  his  coat-of-arms. " 

"  These  two  have  been  in  the  shower  of  honors,  but  very 
little  in  the  shower  of  balls,"  remarked  Blucher,  laconically. 
"  I  wonder  what  rewards  will  be  conferred  on  the  crown  prince 
of  Sweden?" 

"  He  has  already  received  the  highest  Prussian,  Austrian, 
and  Eussian  orders,"  replied  Gneisenau,  scornfully.  "As 
stated  before,  no  one  has  been  forgotten  but  one! " 

"Who  is  it?"  asked  Blucher.     "Who  has  been  forgotten?" 

"  Field-marshal,  one  deserving  the  most  honor — one  that 
joyfully  sacrificed  property,  blood,  and  life,  who  did  not  de- 
mand any  reward,  and  did  every  thing  for  the  sake  of  honor, 
and  from  love  of  country,  and  for  the  princes." 

*Beitzke,  vol.  ii.,  p.  658 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.  379 

"What!"  cried  Blucher,  angrily.  "The  monarchs  have 
forgotten  to  reward  such  a  one?" 

"Yes,  field-marshal,  they  have!  This  one  is  the  people, 
the  German  people! — the  noble,  enthusiastic  people,  who 
joyously  and  generously  shed  their  blood  for  the  deliverance 
of  the  fatherland,  whose  mothers  and  wives  allowed  their 
sons  and  husbands  exultingly  to  march  into  the  field,  and 
made  themselves  sisters  of  charity  for  the  wounded  and  sick ; 
whose  men  and  youths  did  not  hesitate  to  leave  their  houses, 
their  families,  their  property,  their  business,  but  readily  took 
up  arms  to  deliver  the  fatherland ;  whose  aged  men  became 
young,  whose  children  transformed  themselves  into  youths, 
to  participate  in  the  holy  struggle — all  these,  the  great,  noble 
German  people,  have  received  no  reward,  and  not  even  a 
promise!" 

"  But,  Gneisenau,  how  strange  you  are !"  said  Blucher, 
drawing  his  mustache  through  his  fingers.  "  The  monarchs 
have  rewarded  those  whom  they  were  able  to  reward.  How 
can  they  reward  the  people?  What  could  they  do?" 

"  They  could  bestow  on  them  more  liberty,  more  indepen- 
dence and  honor,"  said  Gneisenau,  "by  giving  them  the  con- 
stitution which  the  King  of  Prussia  promised  to  his  people 
in  his  manifesto  of  the  17th  of  March." 

"Yes,  that  is  true,"  said  Blucher,  thoughtfully.  "Well, 
Stein  is  present,  and  he  will  surely  remind  the  king  of  what 
he  ought  to  do.  He  is  a  patriot  and  a  true  man!" 

"  Yes,  but  he  is  alone,"  said  Gneisenau,  mournfully.  "  His 
voice  will  die  away  like  that  of  the  preacher  in  the  desert. 
You  will  see,  field-marshal,  these  promises  will  soon  be  for- 
gotten!" 

"Well,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  "we  shall  see.  For  the  time 
being  let  us  rejoice  that  we  have  fought  the  great  battle  of 
the  nations,  and  that  Napoleon's  doom  is  sealed  now.  It  is 
all-important  for  us  to  finish  him  quickly  and  without  mercy. 
You  know  my  battle-cry:  'He  must  be  dethroned!' — Oh, 
pipe-master!  Another  pipe,  this  one  does  not  burn." 

As  Napoleon  and  Blucher  left  Leipsic  on  the  19th  of 
October,  King  Frederick  William  set  out  from  the  city  for 
Berlin  to  rejoice  with  his  people,  and  to  thank  God  for  the 
victory.  All  Berlin  received  the  king  with  exultation,  and 
the  20th  of  October  was  a  day  of  universal  joy.  Germany 
was  free,  and  this  conviction  transported  every  heart,  and 
every  one  wished  to  greet  the  king.  Thousands  surrounded 


380  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER 

the  royal  palace  at  Berlin  all  day,  and  whenever  the  king  ap- 
peared at  the  windows  or  on  the  balcony,  they  saluted  him 
with  cheers  and  waving  of  hats  and  handkerchiefs.  Multi- 
tudes thronged  toward  the  cathedral,  to  thank  God  for  the 
glorious  victory  vouchsafed  to  them.  In  every  house  were 
festivities  in  honor  of  the  great  battle  of  the  nations  fought 
at  Leipsic. 

But  during  this  universal  exultation  the  king  left  Berlin, 
without  his  suite,  attended  only  by  his  old  friend,  General 
Kockeritz,  and  rode  to  Charlottenburg.  No  notice  was 
taken  of  the  unpretending  equipage,  drawn  by  two  horses, 
destitute  of  escutcheons  and  liveries,  which  drove  out  of  the 
Brandenburg  gate,  and  the  king  reached  Charlottenburg 
without  being  recognized.  He  did  not,  however,  enter  the 
palace,  but  ordered  Kockeritz  to  fetch  the  castellan,  that  he 
might  open  the  vault  of  the  royal  tomb ;  then,  wrapping  his 
cloak  closer  about  him,  under  which  he  seemed  to  conceal 
something,  he  trod  the  dark  path  leading  to  the  mausoleum. 
He  paced  the  gloomy  avenue  of  cypress  and  pines  with  a  slow 
step,  absorbed  in  deep  reflection.  Holy  peace  surrounded 
him — not  a  sound  of  the  people's  joy  reached  him — naught 
disturbed  the  silence,  save  some  gentle  breeze  that  rustled  the 
foliage,  and  as  a  spirit-voice  greeted  the  king's  return.  The 
recollections  of  other  days,  with  all  their  troubles,  came  to 
him,  and  revived  the  painful  emotions  of  the  past.  He  had 
suffered  so  much,  and  alone !  And  as  he  had  been  alone  in 
his  affliction,  he  was  now  alone  in  his  prosperity.  No  one 
was  with  him  at  this  holy  hour  to  understand  his  heart,  ex- 
cept her  whose  spirit  he  believed  to  be  always  near  him. 
Grief  for  the  humiliation  of  her  country  occasioned  her 
death ;  joy  and  pride  in  the  victory  of  her  country  would,  if 
possible,  have  reawakened  her  from  the  dead. 

The  king  slowly  walked  toward  the  mausoleum.  The 
door  was  open,  and  he  entered  softly.  He  looked  around  to 
assure  himself  that  he  was  alone,  and  that  no  strange  eyes 
desecrated  this  devout  pilgrimage.  He  took  off  his  cloak,  and 
that  which  he  had  borne  under  it  was  no  longer  hidden.  It 
was  the  laurel-wreath  presented  on  the  preceding  day  at 
Leipsic.  With  this  crown  of  victory  in  his  hand  he  ap- 
proached the  black  sarcophagus  in  which  reposed  all  that  was 
mortal  of  Louisa!  Bending  over  it,  he  kissed  the  place 
beneath  which  her  head  rested,  and  laid  down  the  wreath.* 

*Eylert,  " Characterzttge  aus dem  Leben  Friedrich  Wilhelm  III.,"  vol.  ii., p.  168. 


THE  NINETEENTH  OF  OCTOBER.        381 

"Take  it,  Louisa,"  he  murmured.  "It  belongs  to  you! 
Your  spirit  was  with  us,  and  led  us  to  victory.  Oh,  why  did 
you  leave  me?  Why  are  you  not  with  me  in  the  days  of 
prosperity  as  in  the  days  of  adversity?  I  have  seen  your 
beautiful  eyes  shed  many  tears,  but  now  I  cannot  see  them 
brighten  with  joy.  I  can  hear  no  more  your  sweet  voice, 
your  merry  laughter!  I  am  alone!"  He  leaned  his  hands  on 
the  sarcophagus,  and,  pressing  his  head  on  the  laurel-wreath, 
shed  abundant  tears.  After  a  long  pause,  he  rose  and  sup- 
pressed his  grief.  "Farewell,  my  Louisa,"  he  said.  "I 
know  that  you  are  with  me,  and  that  your  love  accompanies 
me!  Farewell!"  Casting  a  parting  glance  on  his  wife's 
tomb,  the  king  left  the  sacred  cell,  and  walked  slowly  toward 
the  palace  through  the  shadowy  and  silent  avenue  of  the 
cypress-trees. 


HAJSTOTBAL  A1STTE  PORTAS. 


CHAPTER    XL. 
BLUCHEK'S   BIRTHDAY. 

Two  months  had  elapsed  since  the  great  battle  of  Leipsic, 
during  which,  to  Blucher's  unbounded  despair,  much  had 
been  spoken,  much  negotiated,  many  schemes  devised,  but 
nothing  done.  Owing  to  the  slowness  of  the  allies,  Napoleon 
had  succeeded,  aside  from  some  unfortunate  engagements 
during  the  retreat,  in  safely  returning  with  the  remnant  of 
his  army  to  France ;  and  this  dilatory  system  of  the  allies 
seemed  to  be  constantly  adopted.  The  armies  advanced 
slowly,  or  not  at  all.  For  weeks  the  headquarters  had  been 
at  Frankfort-on-the-Main.  There  were  the  Emperor  of  Russia, 
the  King  of  Prussia,  the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  and  Prince 
Schwartzenberg  as  representative  of  the  Emperor  of  Austria, 
besides  Metternich  and  Hardenberg,  and  the  whole  army  of 
diplomatists,  who  deemed  it  incumbent  on  them  to  put  an 
end  with  their  pens  to  this  war  which  the  swords  of  the 
generals  had  concluded  by  a  victory.  The  peace  party  were 
incessantly  intent  on  gaining  the  allies  at  headquarters  over 
to  their  side,  and  the  crown  prince  of  Sweden  and  Prince 
Metternich  stood  at  their  head.  Bernadotte  cautioned  the 
allies  against  the  dangers  in  which  an  invasion  of  France 
would  involve  them;  Metternich  deemed  it  more  advisable 
for  them  to  conclude  an  advantageous  peace  with  the  angry 
lion  Napoleon.  Blucher  kept  murmuringly  away  from  the 
headquarters,  and  stayed  with  his  staff  at  Hochst,  near  his 
troops. 

It  was  the  16th  of  December.  The  field-marshal  was  alone 
in  his  room,  and  sat  on  the  sofa,  in  his  comfortable  military 
cloak,  smoking  his  morning  pipe.  Before  him  lay  a  map  of 
Germany,  on  which  he  fixed  his  eyes,  and  across  which  he 
eagerly  moved  his  fingers  from  time  to  time,  drawing  lines 
here  and  there,  and  apparently  conceiving  plans  of  operation. 


BLUCHER'S  BIRTHDAY.  383 

The  door  opened,  and  Pipe-Master  Hennemann  walked  in. — 
In  full  gala-uniform,  holding  both  hands  behind  him,  he 
stood  at  the  door,  hoping  that  his  field-marshal  would  see 
and  ask  him  what  he  wanted.  But  Blucher  did  not  look  up; 
he  was  absorbed  in  studying  his  map.  Christian  Hennemann, 
therefore,  ventured  to  interrupt  him.  "Field-marshal,"  he 
said,  in  a  low  and  timid  voice,  "  I — " 

"Well,  what  do  you  want,  Christian?"  asked  Blucher, 
lifting  his  eyes  from  the  map.  "  What  is  the  matter?  Why 
do  you  wear  your  gala-uniform,  and  look  as  if  you  were  about 
to  go  on  parade?  Have  you  become  a  Catholic  in  this  Catholic 
country,  Christian,  and  are  you  celebrating  a  saint's  holiday?" 

"Yes,  field-marshal,"  said  Christian,  resolutely  stepping 
forward,  "  I  am  celebrating  the  holiday  of  my  saint,  and  his 
name  is  Blucher!" 

"He  is  a  queer  saint,"  cried  Blucher,  laughing.  "But 
what  does  it  all  mean,  Christian?" 

"  It  means,  field-marshal,  that  this  is  your  birthday,  and 
that  you  are  seventy-one  years  old  to-day." 

"That  is  true,"  said  Blucher  to  himself.  "My  birthday! 
I  had  given  strict  orders  not  to  celebrate  it,  and  I  had  for- 
gotten it  myself!" 

"  But  no  one  can  prevent  me  from  celebrating  it,  your 
excellency!"  exclaimed  Christian.  "That  would  be  very 
pretty,  if  I  could  not  congratulate  my  'Marshal  Forward  * 
on  his  birthday.  Long  live  my  field-marshal!  And  may 
God  spare  him  many  years  to  us  yet,  that  we  may  catch 
Bonaparte  at  Paris;  for,  if  'Marshal  Forward '  does  not  do  it, 
no  one  will!" 

"Yes,  if  they  would  only  let  me!"  cried  Blucher,  striking 
with  his  hand  on  the  table;  "  but  they  will  not!  I  am  sitting 
here  like  a  pug-dog  in  a  deal  box,  and  Bonaparte  stands  out- 
side ;  I  can  only  bark — I  cannot  bite  him,  for  they  will  not 
let  me  out." 

"They  will  have  to,  your  excellency,"  said  Hennemann, 
quickly,  "  and  before  many  pipes  are  smoked.  But  I  would 
request  your  excellency  to  be  so  kind  as  to  smoke  this  pipe." 
He  drew  forth  his  right  hand,  which  he  had  held  behind  him, 
and  produced  a  short  pipe,  neatly  adorned  with  a  rose-colored 
ribbon  terminating  in  a  rosette  with  two  long  ends.  "  Field- 
marshal,"  he  said,  "in  return  for  all  the  favors  you  have 
conferred  on  me,  a  poor  boy,  and  for  having  made  me,  a 
stupid  peasant-lad,  pipe-master  of  the  famous  Field-Marshal 


384  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Blucher,  I  take  the  liberty  of  presenting  you  with  this  short 
pipe."  And  making  a  polite  obeisance,  he  handed  it  to  the 
general,  who  took  it  smilingly,  and  was  about  to  reply,  but 
Christian  added,  in  a  louder  voice,  "  But  your  excellency 
must  not  think  that  this  is  a  common  pipe.  In  the  first 
place,  it  is  not  made  of  clay." 

"No,"  said  Blucher,  contemplating  it;  "the  small  tube  is 
made  of  wood,  and  mounted  with  silver,  sure  enough;  the 
bowl  is  carved  out  of  wood,  too,  and  there  is  another  bowl 
inside." 

"But  it  is  no  common  wood,  your  excellency,"  said 
Christian,  solemnly.  "  You  remember  that  I  requested  a 
furlough  immediately  after  the  battle  of  Leipsic,  and  said  I 
would  go  home,  see  my  dear  Mecklenburg  again,  and  visit 
my  brothers  and  sisters.  Well,  that  was  not  my  principal 
object ;  there  was  another  reason  why  I  wanted  to  go.  I  have 
never  forgotten  what  my  General  Blucher  said  when  I  first 
came  to  him,  and  what  he  told  us  of  his  mutting — that  he 
still  loved  her.  Well,  I  thought  it  would  gladden  the  field- 
marshal's  heart  to  have  a  little  souvenir  of  his  mother.  And, 
therefore,  I  wended  my  way  to  Kastow,  where  my  dear  field- 
marshal's  mother  is  buried.  I  went  to  her  grave,  said  my 
prayers,  and  then  cut  off  a  branch  from  the  linden  which 
stands  on  her  grave.  Like  every  other  son  of  Mecklenburg, 
you  ought  to  have  a  souvenir  of  your  mutting.  Here  it  is. 
The  tube  and  the  bowl  of  the  pipe  I  carved  out  of  the  branch 
cut  from  the  linden,  and,  that  you  might  know  what  it  is,  I 
cut  these  letters  in  the  wood.  Bead,  sir." 

"Sure  enough,  there  are  letters  on  it,"  cried  Blucher. 
"  They  say  ''Souvenir  of  Mutting  /  '" 

"Yes,  that  it  is,"  said  Christian;  "you  know,  with  us, 
those  who  love  their  mother  call  her  as  you  did,  and  there- 
fore I  offer  you  this  souvenir." 

"Christian,"  said  Blucher,  in  a  tremulous  voice,  "that  was 
well  done,  and  I  can  tell  you  that  you  give  me  great  joy,  and 
that  I  shall  not  forget  your  kindness.  This  shall  be  my  gala- 
pipe,  and  I  will  smoke  it  on  gala-days  only,  that  is  to  say, 
when  we  go  into  battle.  I  thank  you  a  thousand  times, 
Christian,  my  boy,  and  if  my  dear  mutting  has  not  forgotten 
me,  she  will  look  down  upon  her  boy  to-day,  who  is  seventy-one 
years  old,  and  it  will  gladden  her  to  know  that  he  has  now  a 
memorial  of  her — and  from  her  grave!  You  were  on  her 
grave,  then,  Christian?  How  does  it  look?" 


BLUCHER'S  BIRTHDAY.  385 

"  It  was  decked  with  flowers,  your  excellency,  and  finches 
and  larks  were  chirping  in  the  large  linden  overshadowing  it. 
The  old  grave-digger  told  me  the  linden  had  been  planted 
on  the  day  when  Madame  von  Blucher  was  buried,  and  it 
was  quite  a  small  twig  at  that  time." 

"Yes,  that  is  the  course  of  things,"  said  Blucher,  mourn- 
fully ;  "  when  I  saw  my  mother  last,  she  was  a  handsome  lady, 
and  I  was  a  boy  of  sixteen.  I  have  not  felt  that  so  many 
years  have  elapsed  since  then,  and  I  feel  myself  still  as  active 
as  a  lad.  But  they  tell  me  I  am  decrepit,  and  that  there  is 
but  a  step  between  me  and  the  grave." 

"  Well,  I  should  like  to  see  the  giant  who  could  cross  that 
step,"  cried  Christian;  " a  hundred  thousand  French  corpses 
and  Bonaparte's  overturned  throne  lie  in  that  step  between 
you  and  the  grave." 

Blucher  laughed.  "  You  are  a  good  boy,  pipe-master,  and 
in  honor  of  you  I  will  smoke  the  new  pipe  to-day.  Fill  and 
light  it;  I  will — who  knocks  there? — Open  the  door,  Chris- 
tian." 

"  It  is  I,  your  excellency,"  said  General  Gneisenau,  who 
entered  the  room.  "  You  must  not  refuse  to  see  me.  It  is 
true,  you  have  forbidden  any  celebration,  serenade,  or  con- 
gratulation ;  but  you  must  not  turn  me  from  your  door ;  for  you 
know  that  I  love  you  like  a  son,  and  therefore  you  must 
permit  me  to  come  and  wish  myself  joy  that  Field-Marshal 
Blucher  still  lives  for  the  welfare  of  Germany." 

Blucher  kindly  shook  hands  with  him.  "  Would  that  you 
were  right,  Gneisenau,  and  that  I  really  lived  for  the  welfare 
of  Germany!  But  the  gentlemen  at  headquarters  need  me 
no  longer.  I  am  once  more  a  nuisance  and  a  stumbling-block 
— I  am,  according  to  them,  the  old  madcap  again — the  rash 
hussar,  just  because  I  shout,  'We  must  advance  upon  Paris!' 
while  the  trubsalsspritzen  *  are  croaking  all  the  time,  '  We 
must  make  peace!  If  we  go  to  France,  we  are  lost!'  Gnei- 
senau, if  this  state  of  affairs  goes  on  for  any  length  of  time, 
this  will  be  my  last  birthday,  for  I  shall  die  of  anger.  I  know 
if  we  make  peace,  the  blood  shed  has  been  in  vain,  and  our 
victories  in  vain ;  and  in  a  few  years,  when  he  has  recovered 
from  his  losses,  Bonaparte  will  commence  the  same  game, 
and  we  shall  have  to  pass  through  the  same  series  of  disastrous 
events.  But  they  are  destitute  of  courage.  Bernadotte  does 

*  A  favorite  expression  of  Blucher  when  he  alluded  to  the  timid  diplomatists  who 
advised  the  allies  to  make  peace  with  Napoleon. 


386  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

not  want  us  to  hurt  the  French,  and  the  Emperor  of  Austria 
desires  to  spare  his  dear  son-in-law,  and  they  are  besieging 
our  king  and  the  Emperor  Alexander  in  such  a  vigorous 
manner,  that  they  are  at  a  loss  what  to  do." 

"And  what  should  we  be  here  for?"  inquired  Gneisenau, 
smiling,  "  What  would  Field-Marshal  Blucher  be  here  for, 
if  we  do  not  march  forward?  No,  the  gentlemen  who  are 
so  desirous  of  making  peace  are  greatly  mistaken  if  they 
believe  that  they  are  able  to  set  at  naught  our  successes,  and 
that  it  depends  on  their  will  only  to  make  peace  or  war. 
The  wheel  that  is  to  crush  Napoleon  is  in  motion,  and  no 
human  hand  can  arrest  it.  Let  the  triibsalsspritzen,  as  your 
excellency  says,  croak:  public  opinion  in  Germany  and 
throughout  Europe  speaks  louder,  and  it  clamors  for  war, 
and  we  shall  have  it.  For  this  reason  your  excellency  ought 
not  to  despond,  nor  prevent  us  from  celebrating  your  birth- 
day in  a  worthy  manner.  Your  whole  army  longs  to  present 
its  congratulations  to  you,  and  the  officers  of  York's  corps, 
who  intended  to  give  your  excellency  a  ball  to-night,  and  had 
so  confidently  counted  upon  your  consent  that  they  had 
already  made  all  arrangements,  are  in  despair  because  you 
did  not  accept  their  invitation.  General  York  himself  is 
quite  vexed  at  your  refusal,  and  thinks  you  decline  because 
you  do  not  wish  to  meet  him." 

"  I  do  not  care  if  he  is  vexed,  old  curmudgeon  that  he 
is!"  cried  Blucher.  "He  must  always  have  something  to 
grumble  at,  and  has  often  enough  said  very  hard  things 
about  me.  Let  him  do  so  again,  for  aught  I  care !  I  shall, 
nevertheless,  not  go  to  the  ball.  What  should  I  do  there? 
Merry  I  cannot  be,  for  my  indignation  almost  stifles  my 
heart,  and,  instead  of  smiling  on  people,  I  would  rather  show 
them  my  fist.  Ah,  Gneisenau,  men  are  mean  and  contempt- 
ible, after  all,  and  those  at  headquarters  are  the  most  despic- 
able! They  want  peace!  Do  you  comprehend  that,  Gnei- 
senau— peace!  now  that  we  are  on  the  road  to  Paris,  and 
only  need  make  up  our  minds  to  destroy  the  power  of  our 
enemy!  Oh,  it  is  enough  to  make  a  fellow  swear!  To  the 
gallows  with  all  the  trubsalsspritzen  ! — all  the  old  women  who 
are  wearing  uniforms,  and  who,  in  place  of  cocked  hats, 
should  rather  put  nightcaps  on  their  heads!" 

"Ah!"  exclaimed  Gneisenau,  smiling,  "should  they  do  so, 
your  excellency  would  tear  off  their  nightcaps,  and  forcibly 
put  their  hats  again  on  their  heads.  And  as  for  the  old 


BUTCHER'S  BIRTHDAY.  387 

women,  Blucher,  the  young  hero,  will  in  the  end  rout  them 
all,  and  drive  them  from  the  field." 

"  Ah,  Gneisenau,  if  I  succeed  in  doing  so,  then  I  should  be 
young  again,  and  live  to  see  still  many  a  birthday,"  sighed 
Blucher.  "  I  have  conceived  every  thing  so  clearly  and  well 
— the  whole  plan  of  the  campaign  was  already  settled  in  my 
mind!  '  Come,  Gneisenau,  let  me  show  you  all  on  the  map, 
and  then  you  will  have  to  admit  that  Napoleon  would  be 
annihilated  if  we  could  carry  this  plan  into  execution.  Come, 
look  at  the  map!" 

Gneisenau  stood  by  the  side  of  the  field-marshal,  and  bent 
over  the  map  lying  on  the  table. 

"See,"  said  Blucher,  eagerly,  "here  is  Paris,  here  is  the 
Rhine,  and  here  are  we ;  farther  below — " 

"But,  your  excellency,"  interrupted  Gneisenau,  surprised, 
"  you  have  a  very  old  and  poor  map ;  it  is  impossible  to  base 
any  strategic  plans  on  it." 

"How  so?"  asked  Blucher,  in  amazement. 

"  Because  this  map  is  certainly  incorrect,  your  excellency ; 
we  have  entirely  new  and  very  accurate  maps  now,  made 
from  the  latest  surveys." 

"Ah,  what  do  I  care  for  your  surveys?"  cried  Blucher, 
impatiently.  "  By  your  surveys,  I  suppose,  you  cannot  dis- 
place the  countries,  cities,  and  rivers?  Paris  remains  where 
it  is,  the  Ehine  flows  where  it  has  always  flowed,  and  behind 
the  Rhine  lies  Germany,  where  it  has  always  lain?" 

"  Yes,  but  you  will  not  find  on  this  map  the  towns,  villages, 
forests,  rivers,  and  hills,  which  you  will  meet  on  your  advance, 
and  which,  if  not  taken  into  consideration,  might  prove 
formidable  obstacles." 

"  What  do  I  care  for  the  towns,  villages,  forests,  rivers, 
and  hills?"  replied  Blucher:  "I  advance  all  the  time,  and 
that  says  every  thing.  In  the  towns  and  villages  I  shall 
cause  my  troops  to  take  up  their  quarters;  through  the 
forests  we  shall  cut  a  road  if  there  is  none ;  we  shall  build 
bridges  across  the  rivers,  and  run  over  the  tops  of  the  moun- 
tains ;  if  the  field-pieces  cannot  be  hauled  over  them,  we  shall 
take  them  around  the  base.  The  most  important  thing  is, 
that  we  advance,  and  I  am  quite  able  to  consider  that  on  my 
map  here. — Now,  then!  here  is  Paris.  Put  your  finger  on 
Paris,  Gneisenau."  The  general  obeyed,  and  pressed  the  tip 
of  his  forefinger  on  the  spot  indicated.  "And  here,"  cried 
Blucher,  pressing  his  own  finger  on  the  map,  "  here  are  we, 


NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  Silesian  army.  Between  us  lies  the  Rhine.  Put  your 
other  finger  on  the  Ehine,  Gneisenau."  Gneisenau  put  his 
middle- finger  on  the  black  line  marking  the  Rhine.  "Now 
put  your  little-finger  down  here,  between  Mannheim  and 
Kehl;  there  stands  the  army  of  Bohemia  under  Prince 
Schwartzenberg ;  and  up  here,  where  I  hold  my  thumb,  in 
Holland,  is  Bulow,  with  his  corps.  See,  on  this  side,  we 
have  therefore  completely  hemmed  in  France ;  and,  on  the 
other  side,  where  the  Atlantic  Ocean  is — or  is  it  no  longer 
there  on  your  new-fangled  maps?" 

"Yes,  your  excellency,"  exclaimed  Gneisenau,  laughing, 
"it  is  still  there." 

"  Well,  then,  England  posts  her  ships  there ;  and  in  the 
south,  on  the  Pyrenees,  stand  the  Spaniards,  who  have  sworn 
to  revenge  themselves  on  Bonaparte.  Now  we  advance  all  at 
the  same  time  into  France.  Prince  Schwartzenberg  penetrates 
with  his  army  through  Switzerland ;  Bulow  marches  through 
the  Netherlands,  after  conquering  them,  and  joins. my  forces; 
and  I  cross  the  Rhine  here  in  three  large  columns  with  the 
Silesian  army — the  first  column  at  Mannheim,  the  second 
at  Kaub,  and  the  third — well,  now  I  have  no  finger  left 
to—" 

"Here  is  mine,  your  excellency,"  said  Gneisenau,  raising 
the  finger  marking  the  line  of  the  Rhine. 

But  Blucher  hastily  pressed  it  down.  "  Do  not  remove 
that !"  he  cried ;  "  what  is  to  become  of  my  whole  plan  if  that 
finger  should  desert  its  position?  Keep  it  there,  then! — 
Well,  here,  where  I  hold  my  left  thumb,  at  Coblentz,  the 
third  column  will  cross  the  Rhine.  On  the  other  bank  we 
shall  all  unite,  take  Sarrebruck,  advance  by  forced  marches 
upon  Metz,  and — " 

"  Your  excellency,"  shouted  the  pipe-master,  throwing  open 
the  door,  "  a  courier  from  the  King  of  Prussia,  from  Frank- 
fort-on-the-Main !" 

"  Let  him  come  in !"  cried  Blucher,  hastily  throwing  off  his 
military  cloak,  and  putting  on  his  uniform-coat.  He  had 
not  yet  quite  done  so  when  the  courier  entered  the  room. 

"What  orders  do  you  bring  from  my  king  and  master?" 
inquired  Blucher,  meeting  the  officer. 

"  Your  excellency,  his  majesty  King  Frederick  William 
III.,  and  his  majesty  the  Emperor  Alexander,  request  Field- 
Marshal  Blucher  to  repair  immediately  to  Frankfort,  where 
the  monarchs  have  an  important  communication  to  make  to 


PASSAGE  OF  THE  RHINE.  389 

the  field-marshal.  They  wish  your  excellency  to  start  forth- 
with, in  order  to  reach  Frankfort  as  soon  as  possible." 

"  Inform  their  majesties  that  I  shall  be  there  in  two  hours. 
— AY  ell,  Gneisenau,  what  do  you  say  now?"  asked  Blucher, 
when  the  courier  left  the  room. 

"  I  say  that  the  monarchs  have  at  length  discovered  who 
alone  can  give  them  efficient  assistance  and  valuable  advice, 
and  that  they  have,  therefore,  applied  to  Field-Marshal 
Blucher." 

"And  I  tell  you,"  shouted  Blucher,  in  a  thundering  voice, 
"  that  the  monarchs  send  for  me  to  inform  me  that  we  are 
to  face  about  and  go  home.  If  it  were  any  thing  else,  they 
would  have  sent  me  word  by  an  officer;  but,  as  it  is,  they  are 
afraid  lest  I  grow  furious,  and  so  they  intend  to  inform  me 
in  the  mildest  possible  manner  of  their  decision,  and  wish  to 
pat  my  cheeks  tenderly  while  telling  me  of  it.  But  they 
mistake;  I  shall  tell  them  the  truth,  as  I  would  any  one  else, 
and  they  shall  see  that  it  is  all  the  same  to  me  whether  they 
have  a  crown  on  their  heads  or  a  forage-cap ;  the  truth  must 
out,  and  they  shall  hear  it,  as  sure  as  my  name  is  Blucher! 
But  I  must  dress  for  the  occasion — it  shall  be  a  gala-day  for 
me.  With  my  orders  on  my  breast,  and  the  emperor's  sword 
of  honor  at  my  side,  I  will  appear  before  them  and  tell 
them  the  truth." 


CHAPTEE    XLI. 

PASSAGE    OF    THE     RHINE. 

THE  Emperor  Alexander  and  King  Frederick  William  were 
in  the  king's  cabinet,  awaiting  Field -Marshal  Blucher,  for 
the  courier  had  just  returned  and  reported  that  the  field- 
marshal  promised  to  be  at  Frankfort  within  two  hours. 

"  The  two  hours  have  just  elapsed,"  said  Alexander,  glanc- 
ing at  the  clock,  "  and  Blucher,  who  is  known  to  be  a  very 
punctual  man,  will  undoubtedly  soon  be  here.  Ah,  there 
is  a  carriage;  it  is  he,  no  doubt!" 

"Yes,  it  is  he,"  said  the  king,  who  had  stepped  to  the 
window,  and  was  looking  out.  "He  is  alighting  with  the 
nimbleness  of  a  youth,  in  spite  of  his  seventy-one  years. 
He  is  really  a  hero!" 

"  And  will  your  majesty  be  so  kind  as  to  enter  into  my 
jest?  Will  you  assist  me  in  it,  and  confirm  my  words?" 


390  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Certainly,  sire;  but  I  tell  yon,  beforehand,  our  jest  may 
render  the  old  firebrand  very  grave,  and  we  may  happen  to 
get  a  scolding." 

"That  is  just  what  I  am  longing  for,"  replied  the  emperor, 
smiling.  "  Old  Blucher's  scolding  is  wholesome,  and  invig- 
orates the  heart;  it  is  a  new  and  vital  air  which  his  words 
breathe  upon  me.  It  is  flattering  to  be  scolded  for  once  like 
a  common  mortal." 

"Well,  if  you  desire  that,  sire,"  said  the  king,  smiling, 
"Blucher  will  certainly  afford  you  this  pleasure  to-day." 

The  door  opened ;  a  footman  entered  and  announced  Field- 
Marshal  Blucher.  The  two  monarchs  met  him.  Both  shook 
hands  with  him,  and  bade  him  welcome  with  great  cordiality. 
This,  however,  instead  of  gladdening  Blucher,  filled  him  with 
distrust. 

"They  pat  me,  because  they  want  to  scratch  me,"  said 
Blucher  to  himself,  "but  they  shall  not  fool  me!"  His  fea- 
tures assumed  a  defiant  expression,  and  a  dark  cloud  covered 
his  brow. 

"To-day  is  your  birthday,  field-marshal,"  said  the  king; 
"  that  is  the  reason  we  have  sent  for  you ;  we  desired  to  con- 
gratulate you  in  person.  You  have  passed  through  a  year  of 
heroism,  and  the  new  one  cannot  bring  you  nobler  laurels 
than  those  you  have  already." 

"Ah,  your  majesty,  T  believe  it  might  after  all,"  said 
Blucher,  quickly.  "  The  laurels  growing  in  France  are  the 
noblest  of  all;  that  is  why  I  should  like  to  gather  them." 

"Ah!  the  Emperor  Napoleon  will  not  suffer  it,"  said  Alex- 
ander. "  He  values  them  too  highly,  and  it  is  not  advisable 
for  us  to  seek  them,  for  he  is  not  the  man  to  allow  us  to  take 
what  belongs  to  him." 

"  But  he  was  the  very  man  to  take  a  great  many  things  that 
did  not  belong  to  him,"  cried  Blucher,  vehemently. 

"  That  which  did  not  belong  to  him  we  have  taken  again, 
and  have  satisfied  the  ends  of  justice,"  said  the  king,  gravely. 

"No,  we  have  not  satisfied  the  ends  of  justice,"  cried 
Blucher.  "  It  is  justice  if  we  march  to  Paris — to  take  all 
from  him  whom  your  majesties  still  call  the  Emperor  Napo- 
leon, but  who,  in  my  eyes,  is  nothing  but  an  infamous  tyrant, 
presumptuous  enough  to  put  a  crown  on  his  head,  and  ascend 
a  throne  to  which  he  has  no  right  whatever,  and  who,  more- 
over, has  treated  us  Germans  as  though  we  were  his  slaves. 
Ay,  it  is  justice  if  we  take  from  the  robber  of  kingdoms,  the 


PASSAGE  OF  THE  RHINE.  391 

braggart  winner  of  battles,  all  that  he  has  appropriated,  and 
send  him  back  to  Corsica.  That  would  be  justice,  your  maj- 
esty; and  if  it  is  not  administered,  it  is  a  morbid  generosity 
that  prevents  it,  and  which  is  utterly  out  of  place  in  regard  to 
him." 

The  emperor  cast  a  glance  full  of  indescribable  satisfaction 
on  the  king,  who  responded  to  it  with  a  gentle  nod. 

"  My  dear  Blucher,"  said  Alexander,  kindly,  "  you  have  not 
yet  permitted  me  to  wish  you  joy  of  your  birthday.  God 
bless  you,  my  dear  field-marshal,  and  may  this  year  bring  us 
the  peace  and  repose  which  one  so  much  needs  after  the  ex- 
posures of  campaign  life,  and  especially  when  he  is  seventy- 
one  years  old!" 

"  I  do  not  know  whether  I  am  as  old  as  that,"  said  Blucher, 
indignantly ;  "  I  know  only  that  I  am  by  no  means  desirous 
of  repose,  but  rather  deem  it  a  great  misfortune  just  now." 

The  emperor  seemed  not  to  have  heard  him,  but  continued 
quietly :  "  Yes,  certainly,  my  dear  field-marshal,  you  need 
retirement;  at  your  venerable  age  we  should  not  subject  our- 
sehes  to  such  prolonged  fatigues  in  the  field." 

"Besides,  I  am  sure  you  wish  peace,  like  the  rest  of  us," 
said  the  king,  who  saw  that  the  veins  on  Blucher's  forehead 
were  swelling,  and  who  wished  to  forestall  too  violent  a  reply. 
"  We  have  reflected  a  long  while  how  we  might  give  you  a 
pleasant  surprise  on  your  birthday,  but  it  was  difficult  for  us. 
You  have  already  all  the  orders  and  honor  we  can  bestow ;  you 
are  blessed  with  riches,  and  we  have  found  it  difficult  to  make 
you  a  present  worthy  of  the  respect  and  love  we  entertain  for 
you." 

"  But  his  majesty  the  king  has  resolved  to  give  you  some- 
thing which  will  gladden  your  noble  heart.  Field-marshal, 
we  give  you  peace  as  a  birthday  present!  We  have  resolved 
to  make  peace  with  Napoleon;  and  to-day,  on  your  birthday, 
the  conditions,  which,  you  know,  have  for  a  long  time  past 
formed  the  subject  of  secret  negotiations,  are  to  be  signed. 
The  Emperor  Napoleon  has  declared  his  readiness  to  accept 
them,  and,  therefore,  there  are  no  further  obstacles  to  the 
cessation  of  war." 

"To-morrow  our  troops  will  set  out  for  home,"  said  the 
king.  "  The  requirements  of  honor  and  duty  have  been  satis- 
fied ;  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  our  subjects  demand  peace. 
You,  my  dear  field-marshal,  have  been  selected  to  direct  the 
retreat  of  the  troops.  Conformably  to  the  wishes  of  his  maj- 


392  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

esty  the  Emperor  Alexander,  and  his  royal  highness  the 
crown  prince  of  Sweden,  I  appoint  you  commander-in -chief 
of  all  the  retreating  troops.  The  generals  will  have  strictly 
to  comply  with  your  orders;  and,  just  as  Prince  Schwartzen- 
berg  was  general-in-chief  of  the  advance,  you,  field-marshal, 
are  general-in-chief  of  the  retreat.  Confiding  in  your  energy, 
sagacity,  and  zeal,  we  hope  that  you  will  conduct  the  retreat 
satisfactorily,  and  the  men  will  reach  their  homes  as  soon  as 
possible.  You  are  now,  therefore,  commander-in-chief ;  that 
is  your  birthday  gift,  and  we  hope  you  will  be  content  with  it." 

"  No,"  cried  Blucher,  drawing  a  deep  breath,  and  unable 
longer  to  restrain  his  anger,  "  I  am  not  content  with  it — not 
at  all ;  and  I  must  say  that  I  do  not  wish  this  appointment, 
which  seems  to  me  a  disgrace.  General-in-chief  of  the  re- 
treating armies !  I  should  like  to  ask  his  majesty  the  Emperor 
of  Eussia  why  his  soldiers  have  given  me  the  honorary  title  of 
'Marshal  Forward,'  if  I  am.  now  to  be  'General-in-chief  Back- 
ward?' If  your  majesty  has  given  me  the  golden-sheathed 
sword  only  for  the  purpose  of  wearing  it  on  parade,  I  do  not 
want  it.  Sire,  here  it  is ;  I  lay  it  down  at  your  feet  with  due 
respect.  Your  majesty,  you  desired  to  give  it  to  the  general- 
in-chief  of  the  retreating  troops,  and  that  I  am  not,  and  can- 
not be!"  He  hastily  unbuckled  his  sword,  and  laid  it  on  the 
table  beside  the  emperor. 

"And  why  can  you  not?"  asked  Alexander,  composedly. 

"  Because  I  cannot  disgrace  my  honest  name  by  doing  dis- 
honest things,"  cried  Blucher,  vehemently. 

"Blucher,  you  forget  yourself,"  said  the  king,  almost 
sternly;  "your  words  are  too  strong." 

"Yes,  your  majesty,  I  know  that  they  are  strong,"  ex- 
claimed Blucher ;  "  but  the  truth  is  strong,  too ;  I  must  re- 
lieve myself  of  it ;  I  can  no  longer  keep  it  back,  and,  the  truth 
is,  that  it  would  be  a  shame  and  a  stupidity  if  we  retreat  with- 
out reconquering,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Ehine,  that  which 
we  were  obliged  to  cede  to  France.  Your  majesties  have 
said  that  the  requirements  of  honor  and  justice  are  satisfied. 
Permit  me  to  reply  that  this  is  not  so,  and  cannot  be,  if  we 
retreat;  for  we  show  that  we  are  still  distrusting  our  own 
power,  and,  notwithstanding  our  superior  army,  deem  our- 
selves too  weak  to  attack  the  man  who  has  been  attacking  us 
for  nearly  twenty  years,  and  to  whom  nothing  was  sacred, 
whether  treaties,  or  rights  of  property,  or  nationality.  No, 
the  requirements  of  justice  are  not  satisfied  if  we  face  about 


PASSAGE  OF  THE  RHINE.  393 

now  and  consider  the  frontiers  of  France  more  sacred  than 
the  French  have  ever  considered  the  frontiers  of  Germany. 
Bonaparte  has  as  yet  Holland,  a  piece  of  Germany,  and  Italy, 
and  he  says  he  will  not  yield  a  single  village  which  he  has  con- 
quered, though  the  enemy  stand  on  the  heights  of  Paris.  It 
would  but  be  right  for  us  to  march  to  that  city,  and  compel 
him  to  disgorge,  not  merely  a  village,  but  all  that  he  has 
taken.  And  if  this  be  not  done,  if  the  peace-croakers  attain 
their  object,  a  cry  of  disappointment  and  anger  will  bu  forth 
throughout  Europe,  and  the  nations,  lifting  their  hands  to 
God,  will  curse  the  pussillanimity  and  weakness  of  their 
princes.  They  would  be  justified  in  doing  so ;  for  it  was  not 
for  this  that  brave  men,  at  the  first  call  of  their  king,  left 
their  families;  it  was  not  for  this  that  they  sacrificed  their 
property  on  the  altar  of  the  fatherland.  The  women  did  not 
become  nurses  and  sisters  of  charity,  nor  did  their  husbands 
and  sons  shed  their  blood,  that  only  one  great  battle  might  be 
gained  over  Bonaparte,  and  that  he  then  might  be  allowed 
leisurely  to  evacuate  Germany.  We  did  not  even  pursue  him, 
but  marched  slowly,  while  he  safely  wended  his  way  to  the 
Khine.  And  now  he  is  to  remain  quietly  in  France !  The 
world  is  to  receive  no  satisfaction,  and  the  tyrant  is  not  to 
be  punished !  If  that  be  right  and  just,  well — no  matter !  I 
am  an  old  soldier,  and  am  not  versed  in  the  tricks  of  diplo- 
matists! Nor  do  I  care  to  be  versed  in  them!  They  know 
how  to  manage  matters  so  insidiously  that  at  last  they  con- 
vert wrong  into  right — falsehood  into  truth,  and  disguise 
their  cowardice  in  such  a  manner  that  it  looks  like  wisdom. 
The  only  thing  I  understand  is,  that  I  am  no  more  of  any  use, 
and  I  request  your  majesty  to  give  me  my  discharge  as  a 
birthday  present — be  so  kind  as  to  grant  it  immediately.  I 
am  much  too  young  to  become  General-in-chief  Backward, 
and  it  is,  therefore,  better  for  me  to  stand  aside,  and  let  others 
take  the  command  of  the  retreating  troops.  Your  majesties 
will  graciously  pardon  me  if  I  take  the  liberty  of  withdrawing. " 
He  bowed  with  respect  and  turned  quickly  toward  the  door. 

"But  why  in  such  haste?"  asked  the  king.     "  Pray  stay;  I 
have  not  yet  granted  your  discharge." 

"  But  your  majesty,  I  know,  will  grant  it,  and  I  consider 
you  have  already  done  so.     I  beg  leave  to  withdraw." 

"But  stay!"  exclaimed  Alexander. 

"Pardon  me,  your  majesty,  I  must  go!" 

"  Why?     Tell  us  honestly  the  truth,  field-marshal." 
26 


394  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Well,"  said  Blucher,  standing  at  the  door,  "  if  your  majesty 
orders  me  to  tell  the  truth,  I  will  do  so.  I  must  go,  because 
I  cannot  endure  it  here ;  I  must  find  some  place  where  I  may 
give  vent  to  my  rage,  and,  by  a  vast  amount  of  swearing,  re- 
lieve my  heart." 

"  What!"  cried  Alexander,  laughing.  "  Your  heart  is  still 
oppressed?" 

"Yes,  your  majesty,  what  I  have  said  is  as  nothing,"  re- 
plied Blucher,  in  a  melancholy  tone ;  "  those  words  were  only 
as  a  few  rain-drops ;  the  whole  violence  of  my  anger,  with  its 
thunder,  lightning,  hail,  and  storm,  is  still  in  my  heart,  and 
may  God  have  mercy  on  him  on  whom  it  will  burst !  Your 
majesties  may  see  that  it  is  high  time  for  me  to  withdraw." 

"  Otherwise,  you  think,  the  thunder-storm  might  burst 
here?"  inquired  Alexander,  smiling. 

"I  am  afraid  so,  sire,"  replied  Blucher,  gravely. 

"Perhaps  it  may  be  allayed,  however,"  said  Frederick 
William,  approaching  Blucher.  "  You  have  determined, 
then,  not  to  accept  the  position  offered  you?" 

"  I  demand  at  once  my  discharge,  your  majesty ;  my  dis- 
charge!" 

"  You  do  not  wish  to  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  retreat- 
ing troops?"  asked  Alexander. 

"My  name  is  'Marshal  Forward!'"  said  Blucher,  proudly. 

"And  it  is  your  firm  belief,  field-marshal,"  asked  the  king, 
"  that  it  would  be  neither  just  nor  honorable  for  the  allies  now 
to  make  peace  and  go  home?" 

"  Your  majesty,  it  is — it  is  my  earnest  conviction,  and  I 
shall  never  be  able  to  change  it." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Alexander  turning  toward  the  king,  "is 
not  your  majesty,  too,  of  the  opinion  that  it  would  be  advan- 
tageous for  us  to  allow  ourselves  to  be  directed  by  the  views 
and  convictions  of  so  brave  and  experienced  a  general?  Do 
you  not  believe  that  we  owe  it  to  him,  in  consideration  of  the 
distinguished  services  which  he  has  performed,  to  believe  him, 
the  brave  soldier,  rather  than  the  tricky  diplomatists?" 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  it,"  said  the  king,  smiling,  "  and  I  con- 
fess that  all  that  the  field-marshal  has  told  us  has  greatly 
modified  my  views,  and  induced  me  to  adopt  another  course. 
If  Blucher  insists  that,  in  order  to  satisfy  the  requirements  of 
honor  and  justice,  we  should  not  now  make  peace,  I  believe 
him." 

"  And  if  he  has  insurmountable  objections  to  being  called. 


PASSAGE  OF  THE  RHINE.  395 

Marshal  Backward,"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  merrily,  "well, 
then,  he  must  retain  the  name  my  soldiers  have  given  him." 

"But,  your  majesty,"  cried  Blucher,  who  listened  with 
amazement,  "what  means  all  this?" 

"It  means,"  said  the  king,  putting  his  hand  on  Blucher's 
shoulder,  "  it  means  that  I  cannot  grant  you  the  discharge 
which  you  have  requested,  because  I  need  your  services  more 
than  ever." 

"  It  means,"  said  the  emperor,  putting  his  hand  on  Blucher's 
other  shoulder,  "  that  Marshal  Forward  is  the  very  man  we 
need  at  this  juncture.  For,  in  spite  of  all  ministers,  diplo- 
matists, and  peace-croakers  (I  thank  you  for  that  word),  we 
have  determined  to  carry  on  the  war  to  the  best  of  our 
power." 

Blucher  uttered  a  cry  of  joy,  and  lifting  up  his  large  eyes, 
he  exclaimed:  "Good  Heaven,  I  thank  Thee,  with  all  my 
heart;  for  the  day  is  dawning  now,  and  we  shall  soon  see  how 
the  sun  shines  in  Paris!" 

"  You  did  not  wish  to  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  retreat- 
ing army,"  said  the  king,  kindly;  "let  us  appoint  you,  then, 
second  general-in-chief  of  the  advancing  army." 

"How  so?  I  do  not  understand  that,"  said  Blucher,  be- 
wildered. "  That  is  to  say,  I  remain  general-in-chief  of  my 
Silesian  army?" 

"  Yes,  but  with  enlarged  power  and  independence,  and  with 
a  greater  number  of  troops.  Your  corps  has  suffered  a  great 
deal;  on  your  victorious  fields  of  Mockern  and  Leipsic  you 
lost  many  brave  soldiers.  Your  ranks  need  filling  up,  in  order 
that  you  may  act  vigorously  and  energetically.  Therefore, 
three  new  corps  will  be  added  to  your  forces  * — a  Prussian 
corps  under  General  Kleist,  a  Hessian  corps  under  the  crown 
prince  of  Hesse,  and  a  mixed  corps  under  the  Duke  of  Saxe- 
Coburg,  the  whole  amounting  to  about  fifty  thousand  fresh 
soldiers.  With  these  reinforcements,  added  to  your  own 
eighty-five  thousand  men,  you  will  be  at  the  head  of  an  army 
with  which  great  things  may  be  accomplished,  and  with  which 
I  believe  you  may  gather  your  laurels  in  France," 

"Moreover,"  said  Alexander,  kindly,  "you  will  hereafter 
not  be  responsible  to  any  other  commander.  We  shall  consider 
jointly  with  you  all  operations  of  the  war,  and  the  whole  plan  of 
the  campaign,  and  lay  before  you  all  general  communications. 
Prince  Schwartzenberg  will  always  keep  you  well  instructed  of 

*  Varnhagen  von  Ense,  "  Biography  of  Prince  Blucher  of  Wahlstatt,"  p.  205. 


396  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  movements  of  the  grand  arm}7,  and  only  request  you  to 
inform  him  of  those  you  deem  it  best  for  the  Silesian  army  to 
make  in  cooperation  with  the  former.*  You  will,  therefore, 
be  entirely  at  liberty  to  carry  your  own  plans  into  execution, 
and  will  have  only  to  report  to  Schwartzenberg  and  to  us  what 
you  are  doing.  Are  you  now  content,  Blucher?" 

"  Do  you  still  demand  your  discharge  as  a  birthday  present?" 
inquired  the  king. 

"  You  ask  me  whether  I  am  content,  or  demand  my  dis- 
charge?" cried  Blucher,  cheerfully.  "Now  that  we  advance, 
I  would  not  take  my  discharge,  and  should  your  majesty  give 
it  to  me,  to  punish  me  for  my  unseemly  conduct,  I  would 
secretly  accompany  the  army  and  fight  in  the  ranks;  for  you 
ought  to  know  that  I  do  not  advocate  a  vigorous  prosecution 
of  the  war  on  account  of  the  honor  it  might  reflect  on  me, 
but  for  the  rights  of  all  Germany ;  and  for  this  reason  I  am 
not  only  content,  but  I  thank  Heaven,  my  king,  and  the  Em- 
peror Alexander,  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart ;  and  especially 
for  the  great  confidence  you  place  in  me.  This  is  the  most 
flattering  of  all  the  honors  you  have  lavished  upon  me,  and  I 
shall  endeavor  with  head  and  arm  to  render  myself  worthy  of  it. 
I  shall  always  remember  that  my  king  intrusted  me  with  the 
sacred  mission  of  blotting  out  the  disgrace  of  Jena,  and  of 
causing  our  angel,  Queen  Louisa,  who  shed  so  many  tears  for 
us  on  earth,  to  rejoice  in  heaven  over  our  deeds — and — "  his 
words  choked  his  utterance,  his  eyes  grew  dim ;  pressing  his 
hand  to  them  with  a  quivering  movement,  he  said,  in  a  stifled 
voice,  "  I  believe — may  God  forgive  me ! — I  believe  I  am  weep- 
ing !  But  my  tears  are  tears  of  joy ;  they  do  my  heart  good, 
and  your  majesties  will  forgive  them ! — Well,  now  I  am  all 
right  again,"  he  added,  after  a  pause.  "I  request  your 
majesties  to  give  me  instructions,  and  tell  me  what  is  to  be 
done,  and  when  we  shall  cross  the  Ehine." 

Toward  nightfall  Blucher  returned  from  Frankfort  to 
Hochst.  In  front  of  his  door  he  was  met  by  General  Gneise- 
nau,  Colonel  Muffling,  and  several  other  gentlemen  of  his 
staff.  Blucher  made  a  very  wry  face,  receiving  them  with 
loud  grumbling.  "  Oh,  it  is  all  very  well,"  he  said,  alighting 
from  his  carriage.  "  I  can  now  communicate  bad  news  to  you. 
We  shall  lie  still  here,  like  lazy  bears,  during  the  whole  win- 
ter; we  shall  neither  advance  nor  retreat.  The  diplomatists 
have  hatched  out  the  idea,  and  I  am  sure  they  will  arrange  a 

*  Varnhagen  von  Ense,  "  Biography  of  Priuce  Blucher  of  Wahlstatt,"  p.  805. 


PASSAGE  OF  THE  RHINE.  397 

pretty  treaty  of  peace  for  us!  Well,  I  do  not  care;  I  will  try 
to  suppress  my  grief,  and  lead  a  happy  life.  If  we  are  inac- 
tive, we  shall  at  least  try  to  kill  time  in  as  pleasant  a  manner 
as  possible.  I  shall  commence  diverting  myself  this  very  day, 
and,  despite  the  apostles  of  peace,  show  that  they  have  not 
ruffled  my  temper.  The  officers  of  York's  corps  will  give  a 
ball  at  Wiesbaden  to-night.  I  will  go,  immediately  setting 
out  for  Wiesbaden,  and  conveying  the  tidings  to  old  York. 
Well,  gentlemen,  prepare  to  accompany  me ;  and  you,  General 
Gneisenau,  be  so  kind  as  to  go  with  me  to  my  room  for  a  minute 
or  two.  I  wish  to  tell  you  something."  He  saluted  the  offi- 
cers, and  stepped  quickly  into  the  house.  Followed  by  Gneise- 
nau, he  entered  the  room,  and  carefully  locked  the  door.  The 
wrinkles  now  disappeared  from  his  forehead,  and  an  expres- 
sion of  happiness  beamed  in  his  face.  "  Gneisenau,"  he  said, 
encircling  the  tall  form  of  his  friend  in  his  arms,  "  now  listen 
to  what  I  have  to  say.  What  I  told  you  about  peace  was  not 
true.  We  are  to  advance — ay,  to  advance !  and  it  seems  to 
me  as  if  I  hear  Bonaparte's  throne  giving  way!" 

"What,  your  excellency!"  exclaimed  Gneisenau,  joyfully 
"  we  are  going  to  advance — to  march  into  France?" 

Blucher  hastily  pressed  his  hand  on  his  mouth.  "  Hush, 
general!"  he  whispered.  "At  present  no  one  must  hear  it;  it 
is  a  secret,  and  we  must  try  to  conceal  our  movements  as  much 
as  possible.  We  ought  to  do  our  best  to  mislead  the  enemy — 
that  is  my  plan.  We  must  make  him  believe  that  the  whole 
offensive  force  of  the  allies  is  turning  toward  Switzerland, 
and  that  the  Silesian  army  is  to  remain  on  the  Rhine  as  a 
mere  corps  of  observation.  Napoleon  will  make  his  dispositions 
accordingly :  he  will  leave  but  a  small  force  on  the  bank  of 
the  Rhine  opposite  us,  and  on  passing  over  to  the  other  side 
we  shall  meet  with  little  resistance." 

"That  is  again  a  plan  altogether  worthy  of  my  Ulysses," 
said  Gneisenau,  smiling.  "  It  is  all-important  now  for  us  to 
let  every  one,  and  above  all  Napoleon,  know  as  soon  as  possible 
that  we  stay  here." 

"  I  will  swear  and  rave  so  loudly  that  he  will  certainly  hear 
it  in  Paris,"  said  Blucher.  "Let  us  curse  the  necessity  im- 
posed on  us,  and  secretly  make  all  necessary  dispositions,  in- 
form the  commanders,  and  issue  the  orders,  so  that  we  may 
all  cross  the  Rhine  at  midnight  on  the  31st  of  December." 

"  What !  The  passage  is  to  take  place  at  midnight  on  the 
31st  of  December?"  asked  Gneisenau. 


398  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  Yes,  general.  Let  us  begin  the  new  year  with  a  great 
deed,  that  we  may  end  it  with  one." 

"But  will  that  be  possible,  field-marshal?  Can  all  our 
troops  be  prepared  at  so  short  a  notice?" 

"  That  is  your  task,  Gneisenau ;  ideas  are  your  province, 
execution  is  mine.  You  are  my  head,  I  am  your  arm ;  and 
these  two,  I  believe,  ought  jointly  to  enable  us  to  cross  the 
Ehine  at  midnight  on  the  31st  of  December,  as  the  holy  army 
of  vengeance,  which  God  Himself  sends  to  Bonaparte  as  a 
New- Year's  gift.  But  come,  Gneisenau,  let  us  ride  to  the 
ball.  I  must  dance!  Joy  is  in  my  legs,  and  I  must  allow  it 
to  get  out  of  them.  I  shall  ask  old  York  to  dance,  and, 
while  we  two  are  hopping  around,  I  must  tell  him  what  is  to 
be  done.  We  are  to  advance!" 

Blucher's  resolutions  were  carried  into  effect.  All  dispo- 
sitions were  made  in  a  quiet  and  efficient  manner ;  and  while 
the  field-marshal  scolded  vehemently  at  the  inactivity  of  the 
winter,  General  Gneisenau  secretly  took  steps  to  prepare  for 
the  passage  of  the  Ehine.  Napoleon's  spies  at  Frankfort  and 
on  the  Rhine  heard  only  the  grumbling  of  Blucher,  but  they 
did  not  see  the  preparations  of  Gneisenau. 

On  the  26th  of  December  orders  were  dispatched  to  the  com- 
manders of  the  different  corps  of  the  great  Silesian  army, 
communicating  the  time  and  place  of  crossing  the  Rhine,  and 
on  the  31st  every  soldier  of  that  army  stood  on  the  bank  ready 
for  the  passage.  This  was  to  be  effected  at  three  different 
points — Mannheim,  Caub,  and  Coblentz.  The  grand,  all- 
important  moment  had  come ;  midnight  was  at  hand. 

It  was  a  clear  and  beautiful  night ;  the  deep-blue  sky  was 
spangled  with  stars,  and  the  air  cold  and  bracing.  None  saw 
the  black  columns  moving  toward  the  Rhine.  The  French, 
on  the  opposite  side,  were  asleep ;  they  did  not  perceive  Field- . 
Marshal  Blucher,  who,  at  Caub,  on  the  bank  of  the  river, 
was  halting  on  horse  back  by  the  side  of  his  faithful  Gneise- 
nau, apparently  listening  in  breathless  suspense.  Suddenly, 
the  stillness  was  interrupted  by  the  chime  of  a  neighboring 
church-clock;  another  struck,  and,  like  echoes,  their  notes 
resounded  down  the  Rhine,  in  all  cities  and  villages,  proclaim- 
ing that  the  old  year  was  past,  and  a  new  one  begun. 

Blucher  took  off  his  gray  forage-cap,  and,  holding  it  before 
his  face,  uttered  a  low,  fervent  prayer.  "  And  now,  forward !" 
he  said,  in  a  resolute  tone.  "  Let  us  in  person  convey  our 
'happy  New- Year'  to  the  French! — And  Thou,  great  God, 


NAPOLEON'S  NEW-YEAR'S-DAY.  399 

behold  Thy  German  children,  who  are  shaking  off  the  thral- 
dom of  long  years,  and  who  have  become  again  brave  men ! 
Heavenly  Father,  bless  our  undertaking!  Bless  the  Rhine, 
that  it  may  flow  to  the  ocean  again  as  a  free  German  river 
for  German  freeman ! — And  now,  boys,  forward !  Build  your 
bridges,  for  Heaven  sends  us  to  France  to  punish  Bonaparte, 
and  sing  him  a  song  of  the  Rhine!  Forward!" 


CHAPTER   XLII. 
NAPOLEON'S  NEW-YEAR'S-DAY. 

IT  was  early  on  the  morning  of  the  1st  of  January.  Napo- 
leon was  angrily  pacing  his  cabinet,  while  the  police-minister, 
Duke  de  Rovigo,  was  standing  by  the  emperor's  desk,  and 
waiting,  as  if  afraid  to  look  at  his  master,  lest  his  anger 
burst  upon  his  head. 

"Why  did  you  not  tell  me  so  yesterday,  Savary?"  asked 
Napoleon,  with  his  flaming  eyes  on  the  police-minister. 
"  Why  did  you  not  inform  me,  immediately  after  the  close  of 
the  meeting  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  of  the  seditious  and 
refractory  spirit  of  the  speeches  which  certain  members  dared 
to  deliver?" 

"  Sire,  I  had  no  proofs  of  their  guilt.  Speeches,  it  is  true, 
had  been  made,  but  they  vanish,  and  offer  no  solid  grounds 
for  convicting  men  of  crime.  As  I  have  not  the  honor  of  be- 
ing a  member  of  the  committee  which  your  majesty  has  ap- 
pointed to  take  the  condition  of  France  into  consideration,  I 
was  unable  to  hear  the  speeches  delivered  at  the  meeting.  I 
had  to  obtain  palpable  evidence.  I  knew,  not  only  that  the 
commission  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies  had  resolved  to  have 
an  address  to  your  majesty  published,  but  that  the  opposition 
speaker  of  the  committee,  M.  Raynouard,  intended  to  have 
his  speech  printed  and  circulated,  in  order  to  prove  to  France 
that  the  committee  of  the  Chamber  had  done  every  thing  to 
give  peace  to  the  nation." 

"As  if  that  were  the  task  of  those  gentlemen — as  if  they 
had  to  give  me  advice,  or  couid  influence  me!"  cried  Napo- 
leon, vehemently.  "  They  have  never  dared  raise  their  voices 
against  me ;  but  now  that  we  are  surrounded  by  enemies — 
now  that  it  is  all-important  for  France  to  startle  the  world  by 
her  energy  and  the  unanimity  of  her  will,  these  men  dare  op- 


400  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

pose  me!  You  allowed,  then,  their  addresses  to  be  sent  to 
the  printing-office,  Savary?" 

"  Yes,  sire.  But  I  had  the  printing-office  surrounded  by 
my  police-agents,  and  waited  until  the  composition  was  com- 
pleted and  the  printing  commenced.  Then  they  entered  the 
press-room,  seized  the  copies  already  printed,  knocked  the 
types  into  pi,  and  burned  the  manuscripts,*  as  well  as  the 
proofs,  except  this  one,  which  I  have  the  honor  of  bringing  to 
your  majesty." 

The  emperor,  with  an  impetuous  movement,  took  up  the 
printed  sheet  lying  on  the  table  by  the  side  of  the  duke,  and 
glanced  over  it.  "  Savary,"  he  said,  pointing  out  a  passage  on 
the  paper,  "  read  this  to  me.  Read  the  conclusion  of  Ray- 
nouard's  speech.  Read  it  aloud!"  He  handed  the  paper  to 
the  duke,  and  pointed  out  the  passage. 

Savary  read  as  follows:  "'Let  us  attempt  no  dissimulation 
• — our  evils  are  at  their  height ;  the  country  is  menaced  on  the 
frontiers  at  all  points;  commerce  is  annihilated,  agriculture 
languishes,  industry  is  expiring ;  there  is  no  Frenchman  who 
lias  not,  in  his  family  or  his  fortune,  some  cruel  wound  to 
heal.  The  facts  are  notorious,  and  can  never  be  sufficiently 
enforced.  Agriculture,  for  the  last  five  years,  has  gained 
nothing;  it  barely  exists,  and  the  fruit  of  its  toil  is  annually 
dissipated  by  the  treasury,  which  unceasingly  devours  every 
thing  to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  ruined  and  famished  armies. 
The  conscription  has  become,  for  all  France,  a  frightful 
scourge,  because  it  has  always  been  driven  to  extremities  in 
its  execution.  For  the  last  three  years  the  harvest  of  death 
has  been  reaped  three  times  a  year !  A  barbarous  war,  with- 
out object,  swallows  up  the  youth  torn  from  their  education, 
from  agriculture,  commerce,  and  the  arts.  Have  the  tears 
of  mothers  and  the  blood  of  whole  generations  thus  become 
the  patrimony  of  kings?  It  is  fit  that  nations  should  have  a 
moment's  breathing-time ;  the  period  has  arrived  when  they 
should  cease  to  tear  out  each  other's  entrails;  it  is  time  that 
thrones  should  be  consolidated,  and  that  our  enemies  be  de- 
prived of  the  plea  that  we  are  forever  striving  to  carry  into  the 
world  the  torch  of  revolution.  ...  To  prevent  the  country 
from  becoming  the  prey  of  foreigners,  it  is  indispensable  to 
nationalize  the  war ;  and  this  cannot  be  done  unless  the  nation 
and  its  monarch  be  united  by  closer  bonds.  It  has  become 
indispensable  to  give  a  satisfactory  answer  to  our  enemies'  ac- 

*  "M6molres  d'un  Homme  d'fitat,"  vol.  xii.,  p.  294. 


NAPOLEON'S  NEW-YEAR'S-DAY.  401 

cusations  of  aggrandizement :  there  would  be  real  magnanimity 
in  a  formal  declaration  thn/t  the  independence  of  the  French 
people  and  the  integrity  of  its  territory  are  all  that  we  contend 
for.  It  is  for  the  government  to  propose  measures  which  may 
promptly  repel  the  enemy,  and  secure  peace  on  a  durable  basis. 
Those  measures  would  be  at  once  efficacious,  if  the  French 
people  were  persuaded  that  the  government  in  good  faith  as- 
pired only  to  the  glory  of  peace,  and  that  their  blood  would 
no  longer  be  shed  but  to  defend  our  country,  and  secure  the 
protection  of  the  laws.  But  these  words  of  'peace  '  and  'coun- 
try '  will  resound  in  vain,  if  the  institutions  are  not  guaran- 
teed which  secure  those  blessings.  It  appears,  therefore,  to 
the  commission,  to  be  indispensable  that,  at  the  same  time 
that  the  government  proposes  the  most  prompt  and  efficacious 
measures  for  the  security  of  the  country,  his  majesty  should 
be  supplicated  to  maintain  entire  the  execution  of  the  laws 
which  guarantee  to  the  French  the  rights  of  liberty  and  se- 
curity, and  to  the  nation  the  free  exercise  of  its  political 
rights."* 

"Well,"  cried  the  emperor,  impetuously,  "what  do  you 
think  of  that?  Does  it  not  sound  like  the  first  note  of  the 
tocsin  by  which  the  people  are  to  be  called  upon  to  rise  in  re- 
bellion?" 

"  Sire,  it  is  the  language  of  treason !"  replied  Savary.  "  The 
conduct  of  the  members  of  this  committee  would  justify  your 
majesty  to  have  them  shot  as  traitors."  f 

The  emperor  made  no  reply,  but  bowed  his  head  on  his 
breast,  and,  with  his  hands  folded  behind  him,  paced  the 
room  for  a  few  moments.  "  Savary,"  he  then  said,  "  it  is  suffi- 
cient for  us  to  be  at  war  with  our  foreign  enemies ;  let  us  not 
get  into  difficulty  with  our  domestic  adversaries.  This  is  not 
the  time  for  doing  so.  If  we  conquer  our  foreign  enemies, 
the  domestic  ones  will  of  themselves  be  silent ;  but  if  we  suc- 
cumb, every  thing  will  be  different.  Those  gentlemen  have 
acted  both  foolishly  and  ungenerously  (at  a  moment  when  it 
is  all-important  that  France  should  act  and  think  as  one  man), 
to  stir  up  political  partisan  feeling ;  and  it  is  ungrateful  to 
oppose  me  at  a  time  when,  overwhelmed  with  care  and  work, 
I  need  my  whole  energy  to  maintain  my  position.  Let  us 
leave  it  to  fate  to  punish  the  traitors.  They  will  not  have  long 
to  wait!" 

*  "MSmoires  d'un  Homme  d'fitat,"  vol.  xii.,  p.  293. 
tlbid.,  p.  894. 


402  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  And  those  haughty  members  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies 
do  not  even  feel  that  they  are  deserving  of  punishment,"  ex- 
claimed the  duke,  indignantly.  "  The  whole  committee,  and 
M.  Raynouard  with  them,  have  accompanied  me  to  the  Tui- 
leries,  and  repaired  to  the  throne-hall  in  order  to  offer  your 
majesty  their  congratulations  for  the  new  year," 

"Ah,  it  is  true,  to-day  is  New- Year 's-day,"  said  Napoleon; 
"  I  had  almost  forgotten  it,  for  the  cares  and  anxiety  of  the 
old  year  have,  as  a  most  faithful  suite,  followed  me  into  the 
new  year.  But  I  am  glad  you  remind  me  of  it !  I  will  go  to 
the  throne-hall  and  receive  the  congratulations  of  my  faithful 
subjects,  or  those  who  "call  themselves  so.  Follow  me!" 

In  the  throne-hall  were  assembled,  as  on  every  New-Year's- 
day,  the  dignitaries  of  France  and  the  most  prominent  authori- 
ties of  the  government ;  but  for  the  first  time,  since  the  es- 
tablishment of  the  empire,  the  representatives  of  the  foreign 
powers  and  the  ambassadors  of  the  European  princes  failed  to 
appear  at  the  reception  in  the  Tuileries.  In  former  years 
they  had  hastened  to  present  their  congratulations ;  to-day  not 
one  of  those  representatives  was  present,  not  even  the  ambas- 
sador of  the  Emperor  of  Austria,  Napoleon's  father-in-law — 
not  even  the  ambassador  of  the  King  of  Naples,  his  brother- 
in-law  !  The  troops  of  the  Emperor  Francis  had  invaded 
France ;  the  troops  of  King  Murat  had  returned  to  Naples, 
and  he  had  informed  his  brother-in-law  that  the  welfare  of 
his  own  country  rendered  it  necessary  for  him  to  forsake 
France.  The  very  princes  of  the  Confederation  of  the  Rhine, 
hitherto  the  most  sycophantic  flatterers  of  the  emperor,  had 
likewise  turned  away  from  him;  all  the  allies,  adulators,  and 
friends  of  his  days  of  prosperity  had  left  him,  as  rats  desert 
the  sinking  ship.  No  one  was  in  the  throne-hall  except  the 
dignitaries  and  officers  of  France,  and  one-half  of  these  came, 
perhaps,  because  the  duties  of  their  offices  rendered  it  incum- 
bent on  them — because  the  events  of  the  future  could  not  be 
positively  foreseen,  and  the  emperor,  thanks  to  his  lucky  star, 
might  finally  conquer  his  enemies. 

The  emperor  entered  with  his  usual  proud  and  careless  in- 
difference. His  quick  glance  swept  past  the  ranks  of  the  as- 
sembly, and  rested  for  a  moment  on  the  place  where  the  am- 
bassadors of  the  foreign  governments  formerly  stood  beside  the 
throne,  and  where  no  one  was  to  be  seen  to-day.  But  not  a 
feature  changed ;  he  was  still  calm  and  grave.  With  a  gentle 
nod  he  turned  toward  the  ministers  who  were  on  the  left,  and 


NAPOLEON'S  NEW-YEAR'S-DAY.  403 

addressed  each  of  them  a  few  kind  words ;  he  then  quickly 
ascended  the  steps  of  the  throne.  Under  the  canopy,  he 
turned  his  eyes  toward  the  side  where  were  the  members  of 
the  senate  and  the  legislature. 

Napoleon's  eyes  flashed  down  the  silent  assembly  with  an 
expression  of  terrible  anger.  When  he  spoke,  his  voice  rolled 
like  thunder  through  the  hall,  and  echoed  in  the  trembling 
hearts  of  those  who  were  conscious  of  their  guilt,  and  who 
hung  their  heads  tinder  the  outburst  of  their  sovereign's 
wrath.  "Gentlemen  of  the  legislature,"  he  said,  "you  come 
to  greet  me.  I  accept  your  greetings,  and  will  tell  you  what 
you  ought  to  hear.  You  have  it  in  your  power  to  do  much 
good,  and  you  have  done  nothing  but  mischief.  Eleven- 
twelfths  of  you  are  patriotic,  the  rest  are  factious.  What  do 
you  hope  by  putting  yourselves  in  opposition?  To  gain  pos- 
session of  power?  But  what  are  your  means?  Are  you  the 
representatives  of  the  people?  I  am.  Four  times  I  have  been 
invoked  by  the  nation,  and  have  had  the  votes  of  four  millions 
of  men.  I  have  a  title  to  supreme  authority,  which  you  have 
not.  You  are  nothing  but  the  representatives  of  the  depart- 
ments. Your  report  is  drawn  up  with  an  astute  and  perfid- 
ious spirit,  of  the  effects  of  which  you  are  well  aware.  Two 
battles  lost  in  Champagne  would  not  have  done  me  so  much 
mischief.  I  have  sacrificed  my  passions,  my  pride,  my  am- 
bition, to  the  good  of  France.  I  was  in  expectation  that  you 
would  appreciate  my  motives,  and  not  urge  me  to  what  is  in- 
consistent with  the  honor  of  the  nation.  Far  from  that,  in  your 
report  you  mingle  irony  with  reproach :  you  tell  me  that  ad- 
versity has  given  me  salutary  counsels.  How  can  you  reproach 
me  with  my  misfortunes?  I  have  supported  them  with  honor, 
because  I  have  received  from  nature  a  sturdy  temper ;  and  if 
I  had  not  possessed  it,  I  would  never  have  raised  myself  to  the 
first  throne  in  the  world.  Nevertheless,  I  have  need  of  con- 
solation, and  I  expected  it  from  you:  so  far  from  receiving  it, 
you  have  endeavored  to  depreciate  me ;  but  I  am  one  of  those 
whom  you  may  kill,  but  cannot  dishonor.  Is  it  by  such  re- 
proaches that  you  expect  to  restore  the  lustre  of  the  throne? 
What  is  the  throne?  Four  pieces  of  gilded  wood,  covered 
with  a  piece  of  velvet.  The  real  throne  has  its  seat  in  the 
heart  of  the  nation.  You  cannot  separate  the  two  without 
mutual  injury ;  for  it  has  more  need  of  me  than  I  have  of  it. 
What  could  the  nation  do  without  a  chief?  When  the  ques- 
tion was,  how  we  could  repel  the  enemy,  you  demand  institu- 


404  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

tions  as  if  we  had  them  not !  Are  you  not  content  with  the 
constitution?  If  you  are  not,  you  should  have  told  me  so  four 
years  ago,  or  postponed  your  demand  to  two  years  after  a  gen- 
eral peace.  Is  this  the  moment  to  insist  on  such  a  demand? 
You  wish  to  imitate  the  Constituent  Assembly,  and  commence 
a  revolution?  Be  it  so.  You  will  find  I  will  not  imitate 
Louis  XVI. :  I  would  rather  abandon  the  throne,  I  would  pre- 
fer making  part  of  the  sovereign  people,  to  being  an  enslaved 
king.  I  am  sprung  from  the  people ;  I  know  the  obligations 
[  contracted  when  I  ascended  the  throne.  You  have  done 
much  mischief;  you  would  have  done  me  still  more,  if  I  had 
allowed  your  report  to  be  printed. — You  speak  of  abuses,  of 
vexations.  I  know,  as  well  as  you,  that  such  have  existed; 
they  arose  from  circumstances,  and  the  misfortunes  of  the 
times.  But  was  it  necessary  to  let  all  Europe  into  our  secrets? 
Is  it  fitting  to  wash  our  dirty  linen  in  public?  In  what  you 
say  there  is  some  truth  and  some  falsehood.  What,  then, 
was  your  obvious  duty?  To  have  confidentially  made  known 
your  grounds  of  complaint  to  me,  by  whom  they  would  have 
been  thankfully  received.  I  do  not,  any  more  than  your- 
selves, love  those  who  have  oppressed  you.  In  three  months 
we  shall  have  peace :  the  enemy  will  be  driven  from  our  terri- 
tory, or  I  shall  be  dead.  We  have  greater  resources  than  you 
imagine:  our  enemies  have  never  conquered  us — never  will. 
They  will  be  pursued  over  the  frontier  more  quickly  than  they 
crossed  it.  Go!"  * 

The  last  words  of  the  speech  were  still  resounding  through 
the  hall  when  the  deputies,  with  pale  faces,  bowing  timidly 
and  silently  before  the  throne,  turned  and  walked  toward  the 
door.  *  All  eyes  were  riveted  on  them,  and  it  was  felt  that  the 
men  whom  the  emperor  dismissed  with  such  a  strain  of  vehe- 
ment invective  were  twenty  new  enemies  whom  Napoleon  sent 
into  the  provinces,  and  who  would  bring  a  new  hostile  army 
— public  opinion — into  the  field  against  him.  Many  hoped 
that  the  emperor,  perceiving  his  blunder,  would  call  back  the 
deputies  by  some  pleasant  word,  in  order  to  bring  about  a 
reconciliation  between  him  and  those  who,  whatever  the  em- 
peror might  say,  represented  in  the  throne-hall  the  opinion 
of  the  people. 

But  Napoleon  did  not  call  them  back ;  standing  on  his  throne, 
haughty  and  defiant,  he  looked  after  the  disappearing  deputies 
in  anger;  and  only  when  the  door  of  the  anteroom  closed, 

*Bucher  et  Roux,  "Histoire  Parl.  de  France,"  vol.  xxxix..  pp.  460,  461. 


NAPOLEON'S  NEW-YEAR'S-DAY.  405 

did  he  turn  his  eyes  toward  those  who  surrounded  him.  As 
if  by  a  magician's  wand  his  face  resumed  its  former  expression 
of  august  calmness.  He  slowly  left  the  throne,  and,  drop- 
ping here  and  there  a  few  condescending  words,  crossed  the 
hall.  Suddenly  he  noticed  Baron  Fontaine,  the  architect  of 
the  imperial  palaces.  "Ah,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  quickly 
advancing  toward  him,  "you  are  here,  Fontaine?  I  intended 
to  send  for  you  to-day.  Did  you  bring  your  plans  with  you?" 

"Yes,  sire." 

"Well,  then,  come;  and  you,  ministers,  Duke  de  Rovigo, 
Duke  de  Vicenza,  Duke  de  Bassano,  pray  follow  me  into  my 
cabinet." 

The  officers  and  cavaliers  who  remained  in  the  hall  looked 
after  the  emperor  with  anxious  glances.  "  A  cabinet  meeting 
on  this  holiday !  and  at  which  the  imperial  architect  has  to  be 
present!"  they  whispered.  "What  means  this?  Will  the 
emperor  commission  M.  de  Fontaine  to  transform  the  Tuileries 
into  a  fortress,  and  construct  ramparts  and  ditches?  Are 
we,  if  all  should  be  lost,  to  defend  ourselves?  Or  will  the 
emperor  convert  Paris  into  a  fortress?  Is  M.  de  Fontaine  to 
erect  outworks  and  fortifications?  Or  will  the  emperor  have 
a  new  Bastile  built  for  the  purpose  of  confining  the  traitorous 
legislature  and  several  hundreds  of  these  new-fangled  royalists 
who  are  now  springing  up  like  mushrooms?" 

But  the  emperor  did  not  think  of  all  this  when,  followed  by 
the  three  ministers  and  Baron  Fontaine,  he  entered  his  cabi- 
net. An  expression  of  affability  overspread  his  features,  and 
round  his  lips  played  the  sunny  smile  which  appeared  so  irre- 
sistible to  all  who  had  ever  seen  it.  "Come  hither,  gentle- 
men," he  said,  merrily,  "  let  us  act  here  as  judges.  Fontaine 
brings  us  plans  for  a  palace  for  the  King  of  Rome.  It  is  high 
time  for  me  to  think  of  building  one  for  the  heir-apparent, 
and  this  idea  has  engrossed  my  mind  for  a  long  period.  If 
the  times  had  not  been  so  unfavorable,  it  would  already  have 
been  completed.  I  will  begin  now,  in  order  to  prove  to  the 
foreign  powers  how  great  is  the  confidence  felt  by  France  and 
her  emperor  in  their  ability  to  withstand  the  attacks  of  the 
allies;  for,  while  their  armies  are  fighting  the  enemy,  they  are 
constructing  a  palace  for  their  future  emperor. — Now  let  me 
see  your  plans,  Fontaine;  unroll  them!" 

Fontaine  spread  out  on  the  table  the  papers  which  he  had 
brought  with  him  from  the  anteroom.  The  emperor  bent 
over  them,  and  asked  the  architect  to  explain  to  him  the  differ- 


406  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHEE. 

ent  lines  and  figures.  The  three  ministers  stood  beside  them, 
grave  and  silent,  and  their  furtive  glances  seemed  to  ask 
whether  this  really  was  not  a  scene  intentionally  contrived  by 
the  emperor — whether  he  really  could  think  of  building  a 
palace  for  the  King  of  Home  at  a  moment  when  France  was 
hemmed  in  on  all  sides,  and  meanced  by  enemies,  endangering 
the  existence  of  the  imperial  throne ! 

But  Napoleon  really  seemed  to  be  quite  sincere.  With  his 
magic  energy  he  appeared  to  have  banished  all  gloomy 
thoughts,  and  to  be  engrossed  only  in  plans  for  a  serene  future. 
"See  here,  Caulaincourt,"  he  said,  pointing  to  one  of  the 
plans,  "what  do  you  think  of  this?  It  is  a  sort  of  castle  or 
fort,  and  looks  well,  does  it  not?" 

"  Very,  indeed,"  replied  Caulaincourt.  "  It  reminds  me  of 
the  palace  at  Oranienbaum,  which  Paul  I.  built.  The  towers 
at  the  corners,  the  bastions,  and  ditches,  are  similar ;  and  the 
interior  had  not  only  many  rooms,  but  secret  staircases,  doors, 
and  hidden  passages." 

"And  yet  Paul  I.  was  assassinated  in  that  palace!"  cried 
the  emperor,  whose  face  suddenly  darkened.  "  The  doors  and 
passages  did  not  protect  him  from  murderers. — Well,  Maret 
and  Savary,  what  do  you  think  of  it?  Do  you  deem  it  best 
that  I  should  build  the  palace  for  the  King  of  Eome  in  the 
style  of  a  fortress,  like  that  of  Oranienbaum?" 

"Sire,"  exclaimed  Savary,  eagerly,  "  so  precious  a  head  can- 
not be  sufficiently  protected.  In  building  a  palace  for  the 
king,  less  attention  should  be  paid  to  an  attractive  appearance 
than  to  safety  and  convenience." 

"  Is  that  your  opinion,  too,  Maret?" 

The  Duke  de  Bassano  was  silent  for  a  moment,  and  closely 
examined  the  plan.  "No,  sire,"  he  then  said,  looking  at  the 
emperor,  with  a  polite  yet  somewhat  singular  smile — "no, 
sire.  I  believe  we  should  avoid  the  semblance  of  a  fortress 
built  for  the  heir-apparent,  just  as  though  he  should  ever  need 
such  a  place  of  refuge  against  his  own  subjects,  and  in  the 
middle  of  his  capital !  People  would  say  your  majesty  intended 
to  reconstruct  for  your  successor  the  old  Bastile." 

"Maret  is  right,"  exclaimed  the  emperor.  "No  fortress! 
The  confidence,  love,  and  attachment  of  his  people  should  be 
the  only  safeguard  of  a  monarch.  Eamparts  did  not  save  Paul 
I. ;  the  greatest  precautions,  locked  and  guarded  doors,  did 
not  protect  the  sultan  from  the  scimitars  of  the  Janizaries ; 
every  one  falls  when  his  hour  has  struck ;  it  will  strike  for 


NAPOLEON'S  NEW-YEAR'S-DAY.  407 

me,  too,  and  my  life  will  belong  to  him  who  is  willing  to  give 
up  his  life  for  mine !  But  I  shall  teach  my  son  to  govern  the 
Parisians  without  fortresses,  and  make  them  love  him.*  It 
is  true,  however,  there  will  always  be  malicious  men  to  frus- 
trate our  efforts,  and  sow  the  seeds  of  discord  between  me  and 
my  people." 

"  Sire, "  said  Fontaine,  anxious  to  turn  the  emperor's  thoughts 
into  a  different  channel,  "here  is  another  plan.  The  former 
was  in  the  old  feudal  style;  this  would  look  more  like  a  villa." 

"That  is- the  very  thing  I  want,"  exclaimed  the  emperor, 
eagerly.  "  A  villa  in  the  grandest  possible  style — a  palace 
magnificent  enough  to  be  mentioned  after  the  Louvre,  but  still 
with  all  the  peculiarities  of  a  villa.  For  the  palace  of  the 
King  of  Eome,  after  all,  will  be  only  a  sort  of  villa  in  Paris; 
as  a  winter  residence  the  Tuileries,  or  the  Louvre,  would  be 
preferred.  But,  though  I  want  the  building  to  be  large  and 
brilliant,  the  total  cost  must  not  exceed  ten  million  francs.  I 
do  not  want  a  chimera,  but  something  real,  substantial,  and 
practical,  for  myself  and  the  king,  and  not  a  fanciful  structure 
merely  gratifying  to  the  architect.  The  completion  of  the 
Louvre  will  give  glory  enough  to  the  architect.  As  to  the 
palace  of  the  King  of  Kome,  he  may  forget  his  personal  inter- 
est, and  think  only  of  rendering  the  structure  as  convenient 
as  possible.  It  is  to  become  a  sort  of  Sans-Souci,  where  one 
is  merry,  forgets  care,  enjoys  the  sunshine  in  the  apartments, 
and  the  shade  in  the  garden,  and  may  combine  the  simplicity 
of  rural  life  with  the  comforts  of  a  great  city.  Imagine  you 
were  building  a  commodious  residence  for  a  rich  private  citi- 
zen, a  convalescent  who  has  need  of  comfort,  repose,  and 
diversion.  There  must  be,  therefore,  a  small  theatre,  a  small 
chapel,  a  concert-hall,  a  ball-room,  a  billiard-room,  and  a 
library ;  fish-ponds,  and  shady  groves  in  the  garden — in  short, 
a  genuine  villa."  f 

"I  believe  your  majesty  will  find  all  that  you  wish  for 
united  in  this,"  said  the  Duke  de  Bassano,  who  had  care- 
fully examined  the  second  plan.  "  It  is  a  villa  in  grand  style, 
and  surely  worthy  of  a  great  prince." 

"Ah,"  said  the  emperor,  with  a  profound  sigh,  "would  it 
were  already  finished,  and  I  could  live  in  it  with  my  son !  I — " 

At  this  moment  the  folding-doors  of  the  cabinet  were 
thrown  open,  and  the  usher's  voice  shouted,  "  His  majesty  the 
King  of  Eome!" 

*  Napoleon's  words.— Vide  "  Memoirs  of  the  Duchess  d'Abrantes." 
t  Napoleon's  words.— Vide  Constant,  "  MSmoires,"  vol.  v.,  p.  }84, 


408  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

CHAPTER    XLIII. 

THE   KING   OF   ROME. 

THE  emperor,  with  a  joyful  exclamation,  turned  toward  tho 
door.  On  its  threshold  stood  a  boy  of  remarkable  beauty, 
such  as  Correggio  or  Murillo  would  have  selected  as  a  cherub 
model.  His  slender  but  vigorous  form  was  clothed  in  sky- 
blue  velvet,  embroidered  with  silver,  and  his  fairy-like  feet 
wore  shoes  of  the  same  color.  His  dimpled  arms  were  bare, 
and  a  fleece  of  golden  ringlets  fell  on  his  fair  neck  and  shoul- 
ders. An  ingenuousness,  undeformed  by  bad  training,  in- 
creased the  charm  of  his  natural  beauty.  There  was  nothing 
affected  in  his  blooming  face;  and,  while  a  happy  temper 
played  about  his  lips,  there  was  a  light  in  his  large  blue  eyes, 
reminding  the  beholder  of  his  great  father,  from  whom  he 
also  inherited  a  forehead  which,  when  the  attractions  of  his 
childhood  had  passed  away,  would  at  once  assert  his  manly 
gravity  and  thought. 

Behind  the  boy  appeared  the  dignified  form  of  Madame  de 
Montesquiou,  his  governess,  who  seemed  to  take  pains  to  keep 
back  the  boy,  and,  seizing  his  hand,  hastily  whispered  a  few 
words  to  him.  But  he  forcibly  disengaged  himself,  and,  with- 
out noticing  any  one  but  the  emperor,  rushed  toward  him  with 
open  arms.  "  Papa,"  he  cried,  in  an  imploring  tone — "papa, 
have  you  not  given  me  permission  to  come  to  you  at  any  time?" 

"Yes,  sire,"  said  the  emperor,  tenderly,  lifting  him  into 
his  arms,  "  and  the  proof  of  it  is  that  you  are  here." 

"Well,  dear  'Quiou,"  asked  the  boy,  in  a  triumphant  tone, 
turning  toward  Madame  de  Montesquiou — "  did  I  not  tell  you 
so? — The  usher  would  not  admit  me,  papa,  though  I  told  him 
I  am  the  King  of  Rome!" 

"He  ran  away  from  me,"  said  the  governess,  "  in  the  first 
anteroom,  and  so  fast  that  I  could  not  follow  him." 

"It  was  because  I  wanted  to  see  my  dear  papa  emperor," 
cried  the  child,  fixing  his  eyes  with  an  expression  of  inde- 
scribable tenderness  on  his  father. 

"But  that  was  the  reason,  sire,"  said  the  governess,  "  why 
the  usher  would  not  immediately  open  the  door  to  you.  He 
iid  not  know  whether  he  was  allowed  to  do  so,  and  waited, 
therefore,  until  I  came." 


THE  KING  OF  ROME.  409 

"  But  why  did  he  not  know  that  he  was  allowed  to  do  so?" 
cried  the  little  king,  impetuously.  "Did  I  not  tell  him, 'I 
will  it,  I  am  the  King  of  Kome?'  Pray  tell  me,  papa  em- 
peror, do  not  the  ushers  obey  you  either  when  you  say,  'I 
will  it?'  M 

The  emperor  laughed  as  loudly  and  merrily  as  he  had  done 
in  the  days  of  his  prosperity,  and  the  ministers  and  Baron 
Fontaine  joined  heartily  in  his  mirth;  even  Madame  de 
Montesquiou  could  not  suppress  a  faint  smile.  The  boy  sa\v 
it,  and  asked  hastily,  "Why  do  you  laugh,  'Quiou?  Did  I 
say  any  thing  ridiculous?" 

"No,  rather  something  charming,"  said  the  emperor,  smil- 
ing, laying  his  hand  on  the  blond  head  of  his  child,  and  press- 
ing it  closer  to  his  breast.  With  the  child  still  in  his  arms, 
he  seated  himself  in  an  easy-chair,  and,  placing  the  little  fair- 
haired  king  on  his  knee,  gazed  at  him  with  joyful  eyes.  His 
whole  countenance  was  changed,  and  beaming  with  mildness; 
even  his  voice  assumed  another  tone,  and  seemed  incapable  of 
command  or  threat. 

"Sire,"  said  the  emperor,  "Ave  were  just  speaking  of  you." 

"Ah,"  cried  the  child,  with  an  arch  smile,  "I  know  what 
it  was!  My  papa  emperor  was  thinking  of  a  New- Year's 
present!" 

"But,  sire,"  exclaimed  the  governess,  sharply,  "it  is  un- 
seemly to  ask  for  presents." 

A  blush  suffused  the  child's  face,  and  seemed  reflected  on 
the  pale  cheeks  of  the  emperor,  who  felt  almost  pained  at 
seeing  him  so  much  ashamed  of  himself. 

"Madame,"  he  said,  turning  hastily  to  the  governess,  "I 
have  to  ask  a  favor  of  you :  pray  leave  the  King  of  Kome  here 
with  me  for  a  time.  I  myself  will  take  him  back  to  you,  and 
I  promise  to  watch  carefully  over  his  majesty." 

Madame  de  Moutesquiou  made  a  ceremonious  obeisance; 
the  little  king  kissed  his  hand  to  her,  and  she  then  left  the 
cabinet.  No  sooner  had  the  door  closed  than  the  boy,  with  a 
smile,  encircled  the  emperor's  neck  with  his  arms,  and  cried, 
"Now  we  are  alone,  papa  emperor!" 

"Oh,  no!"  said  the  emperor,  smiling,  "did  you  not  yet  see 
these  gentlemen?" 

"No,"  said  the  child,  looking  round  in  surprise,  "I  saw 
only  you,  papa!" 

Never  had  the  lips  of  the  most  beautiful  woman  uttered 
words  that  gladdened  his  heart  so  much  as  these.  But  before 
27 


410  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

his  ministers  he  was  almost  ashamed  of  his  sensitiveness,  % 
therefore,  he  forced  himself  to  assume  a  graver  air.  "  Sire,  *' 
he  said,  "  above  all,  you  must  greet  these  gentlemen ;  they  are 
my  ministers,  and  very  dear  friends  of  mine." 

"Ah,  then  they  are  friends  of  mine,  too,"  cried  the  boy, 
with  that  politeness  which  comes  from  the  heart.  Quickly 
descending  from  his  father's  knee  to  the  carpet  on  the  floor, 
the  little  King  of  Eome  walked  several  steps  toward  the 
gentlemen,  and  bowed  so  deeply  to  them  that  his  blond  ring- 
lets rolled  down  over  his  face.  "  Pardon  me,  gentlemen,"  he 
said,  "if  I  did  not  see  and  greet  you!  I  came  to  my  papa 
emperor  because  to-day  is  a  holiday,  and  I  desired  to  wish 
him  a  happy  New- Year.  I  see  you  now,  gentlemen,  and,  if 
you  will  permit  me,  I  wish  you  all,  too,  a  happy  New- 
Year." 

The  gentlemen  bowed,  and  looked  with  an  expression  of 
gentle  sympathy  and  emotion  on  the  lovely  child,  as  if  im- 
ploring the  blessing  of  Heaven  upon  him.  The  emperor 
probably  read  this  in  their  eyes,  for  he  greeted  the  gentlemen 
with  a  pleasant  smile,  and  nodded  to  them  with  the  trium- 
phant air  of  a  happy  father. 

"  Papa  emperor, "  exclaimed  the  child,  turning  once  more 
to  his  father,  "my  dear  Madame  'Quiou  says  that  France  has 
now  need  of  prosperity,  and  that  I,  therefore,  ought  to  pray 
the  good  God  to  grant  us  His  favor." 

"  Well,  and  did  you  do  so?"  inquired  the  emperor. 

"Yes,"  replied  the  child,  "I  did,  from  the  bottom  of  my 
heart." 

"  How  did  you  pray?  Let  me  hear,  sire;  it  can  do  no  harm 
if  you  pray  to  God  once  more  to  grant  us  His  favor.  What 
did  you  say?" 

The  child  assumed  a  grave  air,  and  knelt  down.  He  then 
raised  his  clasped  hands,  and,  leaning  back  his  head,  lifted 
up  his  large  blue  eyes.  "  Good  God,"  he  said  aloud,  "  I  pray 
to  Thee  for  France  and  for  my  father!" 

These  words,  uttered  in  so  clear  and  melodious  a  voice, 
sounding  like  an  angel's  greeting  in  the  solemn  cabinet  of  the 
emperor,  made  a  wonderful  impression.  The  gentlemen 
averted  their  heads,  to  conceal  their  emotion  from  Napoleon. 
But  he  paid  no  attention  to  them;  hi?  eyes  rested  on  his  child 
with  an  expression  of  profound  affection ;  a  veil  seemed  to  over- 
spread them,  and  as  it  perhaps  prevented  the  emperor  from  see- 
ing his  kneeling  child  distinctly,  he  quickly  moved  his  hand 


THE  KING  OP  EOME.  411 

across  his  eyes.  The  veil  disappeared,  but  the  hand  that  had 
drawn  it  aside  was  moist. 

The  boy  jumped  up  and  hastened  back  to  his  father,  who 
clasped  him  tenderly  in  his  arms,  and  then,  as  if  to  apologize, 
turned  toward  his  ministers.  "  Well,  gentlemen,"  he  said, 
gayly,  "  do  you  believe  that  the  voice  of  the  King  of  Eome  is 
strong  enough  to  reach  to  heaven,  and  bring  prosperity  to 
France  and  to  myself?" 

"Sire,  I  do,"  said  the  Duke  de  Bassano,  in  a  trembling 
voice. 

"And  I  feel  convinced  of  it,"  said  the  Duke  de  Rovigo. 
"If  any  prayer  can  reach  heaven,  this  must." 

"It  will  bless  France  and  her  august  emperor,"  said  the 
Duke  de  Vicenza.  "  Sire,  permit  me  to  ask  a  favor  of  you. 
Give  to  France  as  a  New- Year's  present  of  your  love,  the 
picture  of  the  King  of  Eome  praying  for  France  and  his 
father.  Your  majesty,  send  for  Isabey,  and  have  him  repre- 
sent the  king  in  this  charming  attitude.  He  will  paint  such 
a  picture  both  with  his  hand  and  his  heart,  and  within  a 
month  it  must  be  circulated  as  a  copperplate  throughout 
France.  Sire,  I  venture  to  assert  that  this  engraving  will 
win  all  hearts,  and  the  members  of  the  legislature  cannot 
excite  half  as  much  hatred  in  the  provinces  as  this  picture 
will  produce  love." 

"You  are  right,"  said  the  emperor,  "that  is  an  excellent 
idea.  France  shall  learn  that  my  son  prays,  first  for  it,  and 
then  for  me. — Maret,  see  to  it  that  Isabey  come  to-morrow. 
The  plate  must  be  ready  for  distribution  in  the  course  of  a 
month.*  And  now,"  added  the  emperor,  putting  the  child 
again  on  his  knee,  "  now  tell  me  what  do  you  want  me  to  give 
you  as  a  New- Year's  present?" 

"Oh,"  cried  the  little  king,  smiling,  "I  know  something, 
dear  papa  emperor,  but  I  dare  not  say  what  it  is." 

"Ah,  you  may,"  said  the  emperor.  "I  pledge  you  my 
word  that  I  will  fulfil  your  wish,  if  it  be  possible.  Speak, 
then." 

"Sire,  "asked  little  Napoleon,  nodding  toward  the  minis- 
ters, "  sire,  will  these  gentlemen  not  betray  me  to  Madame  de 
Montesquieu?" 

"I  warrant  you  they  will  not,"  said  the  emperor,  gravely. 
"  Let  me  hear  what  you  want." 

,   *  This  copperplate  really  appeared  shortly  after  ;  it  is  a  sweet  and  beautiful  por- 
trait of  the  little  King  of  Borne. 


412  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

.  "  Well,  then,  papa  emperor,"  said  the  boy,  leaning  his  head 
on  his  father's  breast,  and  looking  up  to  him,  "  I  feel  a  great 
wish  that  I  could  run  just  once  all  alone  into  the  street,  and 
play  in  the  mud  and  the  gutter,  as  other  children  do."* 

The  emperor  burst  into  loud  laughter,  in  which  the  others 
did  not  fail  to  join.  "Ah,  you  see,  gentlemen,"  exclaimed 
the  emperor,  "  this  is  a  new  rendering  of  Lafontaine's  cele- 
brated '  Toujours  perdrix  !  '  The  King  of  Home,  being  able 
to  command  all  that  is  beautiful  and  agreeable  to  his  heart's 
content,  is  longing  for  the  gutter. — Be  patient,  sire,  I  cannot 
immediately  fulfil  your  wish,  but  I  shall  have  a  palace  for  you, 
and  in  its  court-yard  you  shall  have  a  gutter,  too.  Sire,  look 
at  those  plans  which  Baron  Fontaine  has  drawn  up  for  a 
palace  destined  for  you  alone." 

"What!  For  me  alone?"  asked  the  child,  in  dismay. 
"  You  will  not  live  with  me  in  the  palace?" 

"  No,  sire.  The  King  of  Home  must  have  a  palace  of  his 
own  where  he  will  reside  with  his  court." 

"Papa  emperor,  I  thank  you  for  your  New- Year's  gift," 
said  the  boy,  sullenly;  "  I  thank  you,  but  do  not  accept  it.  I 
do  not  want  a  palace  of  my  own.  I  thank  your  majesty,  but 
prefer  remaining  at  the  Tuileries." 

"  But,  sire,  just  think  of  it — a  splendid  palace  belonging  to 
you  alone!" 

"  I  do  not  want  to  live  alone !" 

"  Well,  sire,  then  you  will  request  your  beautiful  mother, 
the  empress,  to  live  with  you.  Will  that  be  sufficient?" 

The  boy  glanced  quickly  and  anxiously  around  the  room, 
as  if  to  satisfy  himself  that  neither  the  empress  nor  Madame 
de  Montesquieu  was  present;  he  then  threw  both  his  arms 
round  the  emperor's  neck,  and  exclaimed,  "  I  want  to  be 
where  you  are,  papa!" 

Napoleon  pressed  his  lips  with  passionate  tenderness  on  his 
son's  head.  "  Well,  sire,"  he  said,  in  a  voice  tremulous  with 
love,  "I  believe  your  wishes  will  have  to  be  complied  with. 
As  soon  as  your  palace  is  completed  I  shall  live  with  you. 
Do  you  accept  your  palace  on  this  condition?" 

"Yes,  my  dear  papa  emperor,"  exclaimed  the  prince,  joy- 
ously, "  now  I  accept  it,  and  thank  you  for  it. " 

"Well,  you  hear  that,  Fontaine,"  said  Napoleon,  turning 
toward  his  architect.  "  You  may  begin  the  construction  of 
the  palace;  the  King  of  Eome  accepts  it.  I  sanction  this 

*  Bausset,  "  Memoires  BUT  Int6rieur  du  Palais  Imperial, "  vol.  ii. 


THE  KING  OF  ROME.  413 

second  plan.  Build  a  magnificent  villa,  and  it  must  be  com- 
pleted in  two  years.  In  two  years — " 

Suddenly  the  emperor  paused,  and  his  face  darkened. 
"Ah,"  he  said,  gloomily,  putting  his  hand  on  the  prince's 
head,  "  ah,  we  purpose  building  you  a  palace,  but  if  they  con- 
quer me  you  will  not  even  possess  a  cabin!"*  The  emperor's 
head  dropped  on  his  breast,  and  a  pause  ensued,  which  the 
child,  usually  so  vivacious,  did  not  venture  to  interrupt. 

At  length  Napoleon  said :  "  Go,  Fontaine,  and  take  your 
plans  along;  I  will  confer  further  about  the  matter.  And 
you,  ministers,  come,  we  have  to  settle  some  questions  of  im- 
portance. But,  first,  I  must  take  the  king  back  to  his  gov- 
erness." 

The  boy  clung  with  almost  anxious  tenderness  to  his  father. 
"  Ah,  dear,  dear  papa  emperor,"  he  begged,  "  let  me  stay  here ! 
I  will  be  quiet — oh,  so  very  quiet!  I  will  only  sit  on  your 
knee,  lean  my  head  on  your  breast,  and  not  disturb  you  at 
all." 

"  Well,  you  may  stay  then,"  said  Napoleon.  "  We  shall  see 
whether  you  really  can  be  quiet  and  not  disturb  us." 

The  little  child  kept  his  word.  Sitting  quietly  on  the  em- 
peror's knee,  and  leaning  his  little  head  on  his  father's  breast, 
he  did  not  interrupt  in  the  least  the  important  conference  of 
Napoleon  and  his  ministers.  An  hour  afterward  the  con- 
ference was  over,  and  the  dukes  were  dismissed. 

"  Now,  sire,"  said  Napoleon,  turning  toward  the  child,  now 
"let  us  play." 

But  the  little  king,  who  always  received  these  words  with 
exultation,  remained  silent,  and  when  the  emperor  bent  over 
him,  he  saw  that  he  had  fallen  asleep.  "  Happy  king!"  mur- 
mured Napoleon,  "  happy  king !  who  can  fall  asleep  in  the 
midst  of  state  business!"  Softly  and  cautiously  drawing  the 
boy  closer  to  his  breast,  and  taking  pains  not  to  disturb  his 
slumber,  he  sat  still  and  motionless,  scarcely  breathing,  al- 
though sad  thoughts  oppressed  his  mind.  It  was  an  interest- 
ing spectacle — this  lovely  boy  leaning  his  head  in  smiling 
dreams  on  the  breast  of  his  father,  who  was  looking  down  on 
him  with  grave  and  tender  eyes. 

The  emperor  sat  thus  a  long  time.  Strange  and  wonderful 
thoughts  stole  upon  him — thoughts  of  past  happiness,  of  past 
love.  He  thought  of  how  long  he  had  yearned  to  possess  a 
son,  and  how  many  tears  his  first  consort  shed — how  ardently 

*  Napoleon's  words.— Vide  "  Memoirs  of  the  Duchess  d'Abrantes." 


414  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

he  had  been  loved  by  the  noble  and  beautiful  Josephine, 
whom,  in  his  pride,  which  demanded  an  heir-apparent,  he 
had  thrust  into  solitude.  Providence  had  given  Bonaparte 
all  that  his  heart  had  longed  for — a  beautiful  young  wife, 
who  loved  him,  and  who  was  the  daughter  of  an  emperor; 
and  a  sweet,  lovely  child  that  was  to  be  the  heir  of  his  impe- 
rial throne.  But  Providence,  by  giving  him  all,  had  taken 
all  from  Josephine — the  heart  and  hand  of  her  husband,  her 
dignity  and  authority  as  an  empress  and  sovereign.  She  was 
now  nothing  but  a  deserted  and  unhappy  lady,  who  had  only 
tears  for  her  past,  no  joy  in  the  present,  no  hopes  for  the 
future. 

All  this  was  on  account  of  the  child  adored  by  his  father, 
and  hailed  by  France;  and  yet,  despite  all  the  mischief  this 
little  boy  had  done  her  and  the  fact  that  he  was  the  child  of 
another  woman,  Josephine  loved  him,  and  often  implored  the 
emperor  to  let  her  see  and  embrace  the  little  King  of  Borne. 
He  had  always  refused  to  grant  this  request,  in  order  not  to 
stir  up  the  jealousy  of  his  young  wife,  but,  at  this  quiet  hour, 
when  he  was  alone  with  his  sleeping  child,  Napoleon  thought 
of  Josephine  with  melancholy  tenderness.  Amid  the  pro- 
found silence  which  surrounded  him,  his  recollections  spoke 
to  him.  They  pointed  him  to  Josephine  in  the  imperishable 
splendor  of  her  love,  her  grace,  and  goodness;  he  thought  he 
saw  her  sweet  lips,  which  had  always  a  smile  for  him ;  her 
brilliant  eyes,  which  had  ever  looked  tenderly  on  him,  and 
which  had  learned  to  read  his  most  secret  thoughts. 

"Poor  Josephine!"  he  murmured,  "poor  Josephine!  she 
loved  me  ardently,  and  many  things  might  be  different  now  if 
she  were  still  by  my  side.  She  was  my  guardian  angel,  and 
with  her  my  success  has  departed.  She  sacrificed  her  happi- 
ness to  me  and  my  ambition ;  and  while  formerly  all  hastened 
to  offer  congratulations  on  this  day  and  pay  homage  to  the 
empress,  she  now  sits  lonely  and  deserted  at  Malmaison. — 
No,"  he  then  said  aloud,  "no,  she  shall  not  be  lonely  and 
deserted !  I  surely  owe  it  to  her  to  occasion  her  a  moment  of 
joy.  She  shall  see  my  son — I  myself  will  take  him  to  her." 
He  cautiously  lifted  up  the  boy  in  his  arms  and  rose.  The 
prince  awoke  and  looked  smilingly  up  to  his  father,  who 
carried  him  to  the  sofa  and  laid  him  with  tender  care  on  the 
cushions.  But  little  Napoleon  jumped  up,  and  said  laugh- 
ingly. "  I  am  no  longer  tired.  The  dukes  are  gone  now,  and 
let  us  play,  papa!" 


THE  KING  OF  ROME.  415 

"No,  sire,"  said  the  emperor,  "not  now,  I  have  business 
to  attend  to.  But  listen  to  me :  at  noon  to-day  I  will  take  a 
ride  with  you,  all  alone — that  is  to  be  my  New- Year's 
present." 

The  boy  uttered  a  cry  of  joy.  "All  alone,  papa  emperor? 
Oh,  that  will  be  splendid!" 

"But  now  go  to  Madame  de  Montesquieu,  sire,"  said  the 

.-emperor. — "  Constant!"     When  the  valet  de  chambre  entered 

the  room,  he  ordered  Constant,  "Pray  conduct  his  majesty 

the  King  of  Rome  to  Madame  de  Montesquieu,  and  tell  her  I 

:  shall  call  for  him  in  a  few  hours  in  order  to  take  a  ride  with 

ihim  alone,  without  any  attendants  whatever. — Adieu,  Sire, 

iima  few  hours  we  shall  meet  again." 

\But  the  boy  stood  and  looked  at  the  emperor  with  grave 
and  sullen  glances.  "Sire,"  he  said,  "my  dear  Madame 
'Quiou  tells  me  often  a  king  ought  to  keep  his  word.  Now 
I  ask  you  must  an  emperor  not  keep  his  word  also?" 

"Certainly,  sire!" 

"Well,  then,  your  majesty,  take  me  to  Madame  'Quiou," 
cried  the  boy,  joyously;  "you  told  her  you  would  do  so. 
Come,  papa!" 

"Ah,"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  smiling,  "you  are  right — 
an  emperor  must  fulfil  his  word,  though  he  has  pledged  it 
only  to  a  king.  Come,  sire,  I  will  conduct  you  to  Madame  de 
Montesquiou.  Constant,  await  me  here!" 

A  few  minutes  afterward,  the  emperor  returned  to  his 
cabinet.  "  Constant,"  he  said,  in  a  low  voice,  "  I  know  you 
loved  the  Empress  Josephine,  and  have  not  forgotten  her,  I 
suppose?" 

"Sire,  the  empress  was  my  benefactress;  I  owe  to  her  all 
that  I  am,  and  she  was  always  kind  to  me." 

"More  so  than  the  present  empress,  you  mean  to  say?" 
asked  the  emperor,  casting  a  searching  glance  on  his  valet  de 
chambre;  and,  as  Constant  was  silent,  Napoleon  added,  "It 
is  true,  the  young  empress  is  less  condescending  than  my  first 
consort.  But  that  is,  Constant,  because  she  was  brought  up 
as  the  daughter  of  an  emperor,  and  her  feelings  were  restrained 
by  the  narrow  limits  of  etiquette.  Josephine  forgot  too  much 
that  she  was  an  empress,  Maria  Louisa  forgets  it  too  little; 
but  her  heart  is  good  and  gentle,  and  she  would  never  wish 
to  grieve  me.  So,  Constant,  you  have  not  yet  forgotten  the 
Empress  Josephine?" 

"  Sire,  none  that  ever  knew  the  Empress  Josephine  could 


416  NAPOLEON   AND  BLUCHER. 

help  remembering  her.  For  my  own  part,  I  can  never  forget 
her." 

"Ah,  what  a  fripon  you  are,  to  give  me  such  a  reply! 
Well,  I  will  prove  to  you,  M.  Fripon,  that  I  have  not  forgotten 
Josephine,  either.  This  is  New-Year's-day.  Would  you  not 
like  to  offer  your  congratulations  to  the  Empress  Josephine  at 
Malmaison?" 

"  Sire,  if  so  humble  and  low  a  servant  as  I  am  may  dare,  I 
should  certainly  be  very  happy  to  lay  my  congratulations  at 
her  feet. " 

"  Go,  I  permit  you  to  do  so,  and  the  empress  will  surely 
receive  you  very  kindly." 

"  Particularly,  sire,  if  I  had  a  message  from  his  majesty  the 
emperor  to  deliver." 

"Fripon,  I  believe  you  take  the  liberty  of  guessing  my 
thoughts!  Yes,  I  will  give  you  a  message.  Hasten  to  the 
Empress  Josephine,  take  her  my  greetings,  but  see  that  the 
empress  receives  you  without  witnesses. — Do  you  hear,  Con- 
stant— without  witnesses?  Then  tell  her  to  have  her  carriage 
immediately  brought  to  the  door,  and,  on  the  pretext  of 
being  alone  with  her  mournful  New-Year's  meditations,  to 
take  a  ride  without  attendants.  But  when  she  is  at  a  con- 
siderable distance  from  Malmaison,  she  is  to  order  the  coach- 
man to  drive  to  the  little  castle  of  La  Bagatelle.  She  must 
be  there  precisely  at  four  o'clock.  I  shall  be  there,  and  tell 
her  majesty  I  shall  not  come  alone.  Now  make  haste,  Con- 
stant !  Recommend  entire  reticence  to  the  empress.  As  to 
yourself,  pray  do  not  forget  that,  if  any  one  shall  hear  of  this 
affair,  you  must  be  held  responsible.  Go!" 


CHAPTEE    XLIV. 

JOSEPHINE. 

JUST  as  the  clock  struck  four,  the  carriage  of  the  Empress 
Josephine  wheeled  into  the  courtyard  of  the  little  castle  of  La 
Bagatelle.  She  inquired  of  the  castellan,  in  a  tremulous  voice, 
whether  any  one  had  arrived  there,  and  she  breathed  more 
freely  when  he  replied  in  the  negative.  She  left  the  carriage 
with  youthful  alacrity  and  entered  the  castle,  followed  by  the 
castellan,  who  gazed  in  amazement  at  this  empress  without 
court  or  suite,  who  arrived  stealthily  and  tremblingly,  like  a 


JOSEPHINE.  417 

maiden  to  meet  her  lover  for  the  first  time.  She  hurried 
through  the  well-known  apartments  of  the  castle,  and  en- 
tered the  hall  in  which,  during  the  days  of  her  happiness,  she 
had  so  often  received  the  foreign  princes  and  ambassadors,  or 
the  dignitaries  of  France.  The  hall  was  now  empty ;  no  one 
was  there  to  receive  the  deserted  empress;  but  bright,  merry 
fires  were  burning  in  the  fireplaces,  and  every  thing  was  in 
readiness  for  the  reception  of  distinguished  guests. 

"You  knew,  then,  that  I  was  to  come?"  inquired  the  em* 
press  of  the  castellan. 

"  Your  majesty,"  he  replied,  in  a  low  and  reverential  voice, 
"  M.  Constant  was  here,  and  gave  orders  to  have  the  rooms  in 
readiness.  If  your  majesty  wishes  refreshments,  you  will  find 
every  thing  served  up  in  the  dining-room." 

"No,  no,  I  thank  you,"  cried  the  empress,  hastily.  "But 
tell  me  is  my  dressing-room — my  former  dressing-room,"  she 
corrected  herself  falteringly — "  is  that  heated,  too?" 

"  Your  majesty  will  find  all  your  rooms  comfortable,  just  as 
though  you  still  condescended  to  reside  here." 

"  Well,  then,  I  will  go  to  that  room.  If  any  one  comes,  I 
shall  notice  it  through  the  opened  doors;  it  is  unnecessary  for 
you  to  inform  me;  I  will  go  then  at  once  to  the  reception- 
room." 

The  castellan  withdrew,  and  Josephine  hastened  through 
the  adjoining  apartment  into  the  dressing-room.  With  a 
long,  painful  sigh  she  glanced  around  the  room  which  had  so 
often  witnessed  her  happiness  and  her  triumphs.  Here,  sur- 
rounded by  her  ladies  in  front  of  this  mirror,  she  had  had  her 
hair  dressed,  and  the  emperor  had  almost  always  made  his  ap- 
pearance at  that  hour  to  chat  with  her,  look  at  her  toilet,  and 
delight  her  heart  by  a  smile,  a  glance,  that  was  more  trans- 
porting to  her  than  all  the  homage  and  flattery  paid  her  by 
all  her  other  admirers.  Now  she  was  here  again,  but  alone, 
and  with  a  mournful  sigh  she  stepped  to  the  mirror  which 
had  so  often  reflected  her  charming  portrait,  radiant  with 
happiness,  and  sparkling  with  diamonds. 

And  what  did  she  see  now  in  this  mirror?  A  woman  with 
a  pale,  grief-stricken  face,  features  growing  old,  and  a  de- 
sponding exhaustion  which  only  a  good  and  pleasant  life  can 
disguise  when  the  vigor  of  youth  has  faded. 

"  Oh,  I  have  become  old!"  sighed  Josephine;  "  the  years  of 
tears  and  solitude  count  double,  for  one  consumes  then  in  days 
the  strength  of  many  years.  I  have  grown  old  because  I  have 


418  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

wept  for  Mm,  and  because  I  have  felt  his  misfortunes.  Oh, 
how  will  he  look?  Will  his  cheeks  be  even  paler  and  his  eyes 
gloomier  than  formerly?  I  have  not  seen  him  since  his  re- 
turn from  his  disastrous  campaign ;  if  I  read  tho  history  of 
his  sufferings  on  his  face,  my  grief  will  kill  me.  But  no,"  she 
encouraged  herself,  "  I  will  not  weep,  nor  trouble  him  with 
my  tears.  I  will  be  serene,  and  suppress  my  emotions.  He 
will  not  come  alone;  but  whom  will  he  bring  with  him?  I 
hope  not  the  woman  who  L  my  rival — 1  whom  I  had  to  yield 
my  throne! — No,  I  know  Bonaparte's  heart,  I  know  that  he 
would  be  incapable  of  such  cruelty.  She,  young,  beautiful, 
the  reigning  empress — I,  old,  sorrowful,  faded,  the  deserted 
empress!  I — ah,  there  is  a  carriage  rolling  into  the  court- 
yard! He  comes!"  Her  whole  form  trembled,  and,  breath- 
less, her  face  suffused  with  deep  blushes,  she  sank  into  an  easy- 
chair.  "I  love  him  still,"  she  murmured;  "my  heart  does 
not  forget!"  A  low  knocking  at  the  small  side-door  leading 
to  the  inner  corridor,  was  heard,  and  Constant  entered. 
Josephine  rose  hastily,  and  with  quivering  lips  asked,  "  Con- 
.stant,  is  he  there?" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty.  The  emperor  requests  you  to  repair 
to  the  reception-room.  He  will  be  there  in  a  moment." 

"And  who  is  accompanying  him?" 

"  His  majesty  has  commissioned  me  to  tell  you  that  it  would 
afford  him  great  satisfaction  to  prepare  a  little  surprise  for 
your  majesty,  and  that  he  has,  therefore,  fulfilled  a  wish 
which  you  have  felt  for  a  long  time." 

"Constant!"  exclaimed  Josephine,  joyfully,  "the  emperor 
brings  the  King  of  Rome  to  me?" 

"  Yes,  your  majesty." 

"Ah,  her  child!"  cried  the  empress,  with  an  emotion  of 
jealousy,  burying  her  face  in  her  hands. 

"  The  emperor  requests  your  majesty  to  be  so  gracious  as 
not  to  let  the  little  king  suspect  whom  he  has  the  honor  to 
approach,"  whispered  Constant. 

"  Ah,  she  is  not  to  suspect  that  her  child  has  come  to  me!" 
murmured  Josephine,  while  fresh  tears  trickled  down  her 
cheeks. 

"The  emperor,  besides,  implores  your  majesty  not  to 
frighten  the  prince  by  a  sadness  which  your  majesty,  in  the 
generosity  and  kindness  of  your  heart,  has  so  often  over- 
come." 

"Yes,"  said  the  empress,  removing  her  hands  from  her 


JOSEPHINE.  419 

face,  and  hastily  drying  her  tears  with  her  handkerchief,  "I 
will  not  weep.  It  is  true,  I  have  often  begged  that  I  might 
see  the  King  of  Rome — the  child  for  whom  I  have  suffered  so 
much,  and  to  read  in  his  face  whether  he  is  worthy  of  my 
sacrifice.  The  emperor  is  so  kind  as  to  fulfil  my  wish ;  tell 
him  that  I  am  profoundly  grateful  to  him,  that  I  will  restrain 
my  emotion  and  not  make  the  prince  suspect  who  I  am-.  Tell 
him  that  I  shall  not  weep  when  I  see  the  child  of  the  present 
empress.  No,  do  not  tell  him  that,  Constant;  it  would  grieve 
him — tell  him  only  that  I  thank  him,  and  that  he  shall  not 
be  displeased  with  me.  Go !  I  am  ready,  and  shall  be  happy 
co  see  the  boy.  It  is  not  her  child,  but  his  that  I  am  to  em- 
brace." And  greeting  Constant  with  that  inimitable  smile 
of  grace  and  kindness  peculiar  to  her,  she  walked  toward  the 
reception-room.  "How  my  heart  throbs!"  she  murmured; 
"it  is  as  if  my  limbs  were  failing  me — as  if  I  should  die." 
Nearly  fainting,  she  slowly  glided  through  the  adjoining 
apartment,  and  entered  the  reception-room.  "Courage,  my 
heart!  for  it  is  his  child  that  I  am  to  greet."  Sitting  down 
on  an  easy-chair  near  the  window,  she  looked  in  anxiety  and 
suspense  toward  the  large  folding-doors. 

At  length  the  emperor  appeared.  Josephine  had  not  seen 
him  for  nearly  a  year,  and  at  first  her  eyes  beheld  only  him. 
She  read  in  his  pallid  and  furrowed  face  the  secret  history  of 
his  sorrows,  which  he  had  not,  perhaps,  communicated  to  any 
one,  but  which  he  could  not  conceal  from  the  eye  of  love. 
Unutterable  sympathy  and  tender  compassion  for  him  filled 
her  soul.  And  now  she  almost  timidly  looked  upon  the  child 
that  Napoleon  led  by  the  hand. 

How  charming  was  this  child !  How  proud  of  him  was  his 
father !  Josephine  felt  this,  and  she  said  almost  exultingly 
to  herself :  "  I  have  not  been  sacrificed  in  vain !  This  child  is 
an  ample  indemnity  for  my  tears.  I  am  the  boy's  real  mother, 
for  I  have  suffered,  sorrowed,  and  prayed  for  him!"  Re- 
joicing in  this  sentiment,  which  seemed  to  restore  the  beauty 
of  former  days,  Josephine  stretched  out  her  arms  toward  the 
child. 

"  Go,  my  son,  and  embrace  the  lady,"  said  Napoleon,  drop- 
ping the  hand  of  the  prince.  He  advanced,  while  his  father 
stood  at  the  table  in  the  middle  of  the  room,  supporting  his 
right  hand  on  the  marble  slab.  He  looked  gravely  but  kindly 
upon  the  empress,  from  whom  he  felt  separated,  by  the 
presence  of  his  child,  as  by  an  impassable  gulf. 


420  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

The  little  prince  offered  his  hand  to  the  empress  with  a 
smile,  and  Josephine  drew  him  into  her  arms,  pressing  his 
head  to  her  bosom.  A  sigh,  in  spite  of  herself,  came  from 
the  depths  of  her  heart.  She  slowly  bent  back  the  boy's  head 
and  gazed  at  him  with  a  mournful  but  loving  expression. 
Then  her  glance  fell  upon  the  emperor,  and,  with  an  inde- 
scribable look  of  love  and  tenderness,  she  said :  "  Sire,  he  is 
like  you;  God  bless  him  for  it!" 

There  was  something  so  touching  and  heartfelt  in  these 
words — in  the  tone  of  her  voice,  and  the  glance  of  her  eyes, 
that  the  emperor  was  profoundly  moved,  and  responded  only 
by  a  silent  nod,  not  venturing  to  speak  lest  the  tremor  of  his 
words  should  betray  his  emotion.  Even  the  little  king 
seemed  to  understand  the  excellent  heart  of  this  lady.  He 
clung  to  her  and  said  in  a  sweet  voice,  "  I  love  you,  madame, 
and  want  you  to  love  me,  too!" 

"I  love  you,  sire,"  cried  Josephine,  "and  shall  pray  God 
every  day  to  preserve  you  to  your  father — to  your  parents," 
she  corrected  herself  with  the  self-abnegation  of  a  true 
woman.  "  You  will  one  day  confer  happiness  on  France  and 
your  people,  for  you  undoubtedly  wish  to  become  as  good, 
great,  and  wise,  as  your  father." 

"  Oh,  yes,  my  papa  emperor  is  very  good,  and  I  love  him 
dearly !"  exclaimed  the  boy,  looking  toward  his  father.  "  But, 
papa,  why  do  you  not  come,  to  us?  Why  do  you  not  shake 
hands  with  this  dear  lady,  who  is  so  good  and  loves  me  so 
well?" 

"The  emperor  is  generous,"  said  Josephine,  gently;  "he 
wished  me  to  have  you  a  moment  by  yourself,  sire ;  he  has 
you  every  day,  but  I  have  never  had  you  before." 

"Why  did  you  not  come  and  see  me?"  asked  the  child. 
"You  live  near  Paris;  and,  if  you  loved  me,  you  would  often 
come  and  see  how  the  little  King  of  Eome  is  getting  on. 
The  emperor  told  me  you  were  a  dear  and  kind-hearted  lady, 
and  that  every  one  loved  you." 

"Did  he  tell  you  so,  sire?"  exclaimed  the  empress,  drawing 
the  boy  into  her  arms.  "Oh,  tell  the  emperor  that  I  shall 
always  be  grateful  to  him  for  it,  and  that  these  words  will  for- 
ever silence  my  grief."  Her  eyes  glanced  in  gratitude  to  the 
emperor,  who  softly  laid  his  finger  on  his  mouth,  to  admonish 
her  to  be  silent  and  calm. 

The  little  prince  had  now,  with  the  facility  with  which 
children  pass  from  one  subject  to  another,  turned  his  attention 


JOSEPHINE.  421 

to  a  large  diamond  brooch  fastened  to  Josephine's  golden 
^ish.  "  How  beautiful  it  is !"  he  exclaimed — "  how  it  is  flash- 
ing as  though  it  were  a  star  fallen  from  heaven,  and  fastened 
to  your  breast,  because  it  loves  you,  madame,  and  because 
you  are  so  good !  And  what  fine  ornaments  you  have  on  your 
watch !  Ah,  look  here,  papa  emperor ;  see  those  pretty  things ! 
Come,  papa,  and  look  at  them !" 

"No,  sire,"  said  the  emperor,  with  a  strange  and  mournful 
smile,  "  let  me  remain  here.  I  can  see  all  those  pretty  things 
quite  distinctly." 

"They  are  very  beautiful,  are  they  not?"  cried  the  child. 
"  And  if—" 

"Well,  sire,"  asked  Josephine,  "why  do  you  pause?  Pray 
speak!" 

The  boy  had  suddenly  assumed  a  grave  air,  and  gazed  upon 
the  ornaments  of  the  empress.  "  I  was  just  thinking — but 
you  will  be  angry  if  I  tell  you  what,  madame." 

"  Certainly  not,  sire;  tell  me  what  you  thought." 

"  It  occurred  to  my  mind  that  we  met  in  the  forest  on  our 
way  a  poor  man  who  looked  haggard  and  wretched,  and  begged 
us  to  give  him  something.  But  papa  and  I  could  not,  for  we 
had  already  distributed  all  our  money  among  the  unfortunate 
persons  whom  we  had  previously  met.  Why  are  there  so 
many  poor  people,  madame? — why  does  my  papa  emperor  not 
order  all  men  to  be  happy  and  rich?" 

"Because  it  is  impossible  for  him  to  do  so,  sire,"  said 
Josephine. 

"  And  because,  in  order  to  be  able  to  make  others  happy, 
we  must  ourselves  be  rich!"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  smiling. 
"  Now  you  said  yourself,  sire,  we  could  not  give  the  poor  man 
in  the  forest  any  thing,  for  we  had  nothing  to  give  him." 

"Yes,  and  I  was  very  sorry,"  said  the  boy.  "And  now  I 
was  thinking  if  we  sent  for  the  poor  man,  and  you,  madame, 
gave  him  your  watch  and  your  diamonds,  and  he  sold  them, 
lie  would  have  a  great  deal  of  money,  and  be  very  rich  and 
happy." 

Josephine  pressed  the  boy  tenderly  to  her  heart.  "  Sire," 
she  said,  "  I  promise  you  that  I  will  send  for  your  poor  man 
and  give  him  so  much  money  that  he  will  never  again  be 
wretched." 

"Oh!"  exclaimed  the  prince,  encircling  the  lady's  neck 
with  his  arms,  "  how  good  you  are,  madame,  and  how  I  love 
you!" 


422  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Josephine  pressed  his  head  to  her  bosom.  "  Oh,  you  may 
certainly  love  me  a  little,"  she  replied,  with  a  touching  smile; 
"I  have  really  deserved  it  of  you." 

"Sire,"  said  the  emperor,  advancing  a  few  steps,  "now  bid 
the  lady  farewell.  We  must  go." 

"  Papa!"  cried  the  boy,  joyously — "papa,  we  must  take  the 
dear  lady  with  us ;  she  is  so  good,  and  I  love  her.  Let  her 
live  with  us  in  the  Tuileries,  and  always  stay  with  us.  I  want 
her  to  do  so,  and  you,  too,  papa,  do  you  not?" 

Josephine's  eyes  filled  with  tears,  and  she  looked  at  the  em- 
peror with  an  expression  of  unutterable  woe.  He  immediately 
averted  his  face,  perhaps  to  prevent  Josephine  from  noticing 
his  emotion.  "  Come,  sire,"  he  said  imperiously,  "it  is  high 
time;  it  is  growing  dark.  Take  leave  of  madame!" 

"  Oh,  no;  I  will  not  take  leave  of  her!"  cried  the  boy,  vehe- 
mently. "  I  say  to  her  rather — Come  with  us  to  the  Tuileries !" 

"It  cannot  be,  sire,"  said  Josephine,  smiling  amidst  her 
tears. 

"  Why?"  cried  the  boy,  impatiently,  and  throwing  back  his 
head*  "  Come ;  you  may  accompany  the  emperor,  and  I  want 
you  to  do  so!" 

Napoleon,  painfully  moved  by  this  scene,  quickly  advanced 
to  the  prince,  and  took  his  hand.  "  Come,  sire,"  he  said  in  a 
tone  so  grave  that  the  boy  dared  no  longer  resist.  Submitting 
to  his  father's  will,  he  stepped  back,  and,  pleasantly  bowing, 
took  leave  of  the  empress. 

"We  shall  meet  again,"  said  Josephine,  and,  turning  her 
tearful  eyes  to  Napoleon,  she  asked,  "  We  shall  meet  again, 
sire,  shall  we  not?" 

"Yes,"  said  Napoleon,  gravely,  "we  shall  meet  again." 
He  then  took  leave  of  her  with  an  affectionate  look,  which 
fell  as  a  sunbeam  upon  her  desolate  heart,  and,  leading  the 
boy  by  the  hand,  turned  quickly  toward  the  door.  She  looked 
after  them  in  silence  and  with  clasped  hands.  As  the  door 
opened,  the  emperor  turned  again  with  a  parting  but  melan- 
choly glance. 

Josephine  was  again  alone.  With  a  groan  she  fell  on  her 
knees,  and  lifting  her  face  toward  heaven,  she  cried,  "My 
God,  protect — preserve  him !  Whatever  I  may  suffer,  oh,  let 
him  be  happy!" 


TALLEYRAND.  423 

CHAPTER    XLV. 

TALLEYRAND. 

FOB  a  week  the  emperor  had  scarcely  left  his  cabinet; 
bending  over  his  maps,  he  anxiously  examined  the  position  of 
his  army,  and  that  of  the  constantly  advancing  allies.  Every 
day  couriers  with  news  of  fresh  disasters  arrived  at  Paris; 
rumors  of  invading  armies  terrified  the  citizens,  and  disturbed 
,  the  emperor's  temper.  It  was  impossible  for  the  government 
to  conceal  the  misfortunes  which  had  befallen  France  from 
the  beginning  of  the  new  year.  The  people  knew  that  Blucher 
had  crossed  the  Rhine,  and,  victoriously  penetrating  France, 
on  the  16th  of  January  had  taken  up  his  quarters  at  Nancy. 
It  was  publicly  known  that  a  still  larger  army  of  the  allies, 
commanded  by  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  had  advanced  through 
Switzerland,  Lorraine,  and  Alsace,  taken  the  fortresses,  over- 
come all  resistance,  and  that  both  generals  had  sworn  to  ap- 
pear in  front  of  Paris  by  February,  and  conquer  the  capital. 
All  Paris  knew  this,  and  longed  for  peace  as  the  only  way  to 
put  an  end  to  the  sufferings  of  the  nation.  The  strength  and 
the  superiority  of  the  allied  army  could  not  be  concealed,  and 
it  was  felt  to  be  impossible  to  expel  the  powerful  invaders. 

Napoleon  himself  at  length  saw  the  necessity  of  peace,  and, 
conquering  his  proud  heart,  he  sent  the  Duke  de  Vicenza,  his 
faithful  friend  Caulaincourt,  to  the  headquarters  of  the  allies, 
to  request  them  to  send  plenipotentiaries  to  a  peace  congress. 
The  allies  accepted  this  proposition,  but  they  declared  that, 
despite  the  peace  congress,  the  course  of  the  war  could  not  in 
the  least  be  interrupted ;  that  the  operations  in  the  field  must 
be  vigorously  continued.  Napoleon  responded  to  this  by  de- 
creeing a  new  conscription,  ordering  all  able-bodied  men  in 
France  to  be  enrolled  in  the  national  armies.  The  terrors  of 
war  were,  therefore,  approaching,  and  yet  Paris  was  in  hope 
that  peace  would  be  concluded ;  Caulaincourt  was  still  at  the 
headquarters  of  the  allies,  treating  with  them  about  the 
congress. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  of  January,  another  dis- 
patch from  Caulaincourt  to  Maret  was  received  at  Paris,  and 
the  minister  immediately  repaired  to  the  Tuileries,  to  com- 
municate it  to  the  emperor.  This  dispatch  confirmed  ajl  the 


424  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

disastrous  tidings  which  had  arrived  from  day  to  day,  and 
convinced  Napoleon  and  his  minister  that  the  vast  superiority 
of  the  allied  armies  rendered  it  impossible  for  the  emperor  to 
rid  his  country  of  the  formidable  invaders. 

"Maret,"  said  Napoleon,  gloomily,  "come  and  look  at  this 
map.  What  do  you  see  here?" 

"  Sire,  a  number  of  colored  pins  extending  in  all  directions." 

"  And  a  small  number  of  white  pins.  Well  these  are  my 
troops;  the  colored  pins  designate  the  armies  of  my  enemies. 
They  are  allied ;  but  I — I  have  no  longer  a  single  ally  at  this 
hour;  I  stand  alone,  and  have  to  meet  eight  different  armies. 
See  here,  Maret :  there  is,  in  the  first  place,  the  grand  army 
of  the  Bussians,  Austrians,  Bavarians,  and  Wurtembergers, 
commanded  by  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  and  accompanied  by 
the  allied  monarchs;  next,  there  is  the  grand  Prussian  army, 
with  the  Eussian  and  Saxon  corps,  under  the  command  of 
Blucher,  the  hussar ;  here  stand  the  Swedes  under  Bernadotte, 
reenforced  by  Eussian  and  English  corps,  and  the  German 
troops  of  the  Confederation  of  the  Bhine ;  there  comes  the 
Anglo-Batavian  army ;  here,  farther  to  the  South,  is  Welling- 
ton's army,  composed  of  English,  Spaniards,  and  Portuguese; 
there,  in  Italy,  is  an  Austrian  corps  under  Bellegarde ;  at  no 
great  distance  from  it,  the  Neapolitan  corps  under  the  King 
of  Naples;  and,  finally,  here  at  Lyons,  is  another  Austrian 
corps  under  Bubna.  The  armies  of  Schwartzenberg,  Blucher, 
and  Bernadotte,  are  about  six  hundred  thousand  strong.  And 
now  see  what  forces  I  have — I  cannot  call  them  armies! 
Augereau's  corps  is  stationed  near  Lyons;  Ney,  Marmont,  and 
Mortier,  are  with  their  corps  here  between. the  Meuse  and  the 
Seine ;  Sebastiani  and  Macdonald  are  with  the  remnants  of 
their  corps  on  the  frontier  of  the  Netherlands.  Maret,  my 
troops  are  hardly  one  hundred  thousand ;  the  allies,  therefore, 
are  six  to  one." 

"Sire,"  said  Maret,  "even  a  military  genius  like  that  of 
your  majesty,  will  be  unable  to  cope  with  such  odds,  and  it 
reflects  no  dishonor  on  the  bravest  to  submit  to  the  decrees  of 
Fate." 

"It  is  true,"  murmured  Napoleon,  throwing  himself  into 
his  easy-chair,  with  his  arm  leaning  on  the  desk,  and  his  head 
bent  forward — "  it  is  true,  I  have  no  sufficient  force  to  oppose 
them ;  tneir  armies  are  six  times  as  strong  as  mine,  and,  un- 
less fortune  greatly  favors  me,  I  must  yield!" 

"  But  fortune  has  forsaken  us,  sire,  and  we  have  no  strength 


TALLEYRAND.  425 

left.  Yield,  therefore,  sire;  submit  to  a  stern  necessity;  com- 
ply with  the  anxious  demand  of  France;  restore  peace  to 
your  people — to  the  world !  Do  not  endanger,  without  pros- 
pect of  success,  your  precious  life,  which  is  necessary  to 
France — your  throne,  threatened  by  foreign  and  domestic 
foes.  All  is  at  stake.  Save  France,  save  the  throne !  Make 
peace  at  any  cost!" 

While  Maret  was  speaking,  Napoleon  slowly  raised  his 
head,  and  sent  a  flaming  glance  on  his  minister.  Now  that 
Maret  was  silent,  the  emperor  quickly  took  up  an  open  book 
from  his  desk  and  handed  it  to  Maret.  "  I  will  not  answer 
you,  duke,"  said  Napoleon,  "but  Marmontel  shall.  Read 
this.  Read  it  aloud." 

Maret  read:  "'I  know  of  nothing  more  sublime  than  the 
resolution  taken  by  a  monarch  living  in  our  times,  who  would 
be  buried  under  the  ruins  of  his  throne  rather  than  accept 
terms  to  which  a  king  should  not  listen;  he  was  possessed  of 
too  proud  a  soul  to  descend  lower  than  unavoidable  misfor- 
tune. He  knew  full  well  that  courage  may  restore  strength 
and  lustre  to  a  crown,  but  that  cowardice  and  dishonor  never 

i   j »  4* 

can. 

"That  is  my  reply,  Maret,"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "The 
example  of  Louis  XIV.  shall  teach  me  to  perish  rather  than 
humiliate  myself." 

"Sire,"  said  Maret,  solemnly,  "Marmontel  is  wrong;  there 
is  something  more  sublime  than  to  be  buried  under  the  ruins 
of  a  throne — a  king  sacrificing  his  own  greatness  to  the  wel- 
fare of  a  state  that  must  perish  with  him." 

"Never!"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  impetuously.  "I  can 
die  beneath  the  ruins  of  my  throne,  but  I  cannot  sign  my  own 
humiliation!  Maret,  I  have  made  up  my  mind:  I  will  con- 
tinue this  struggle  to  the  last;  I  will  conquer  or  die!  To- 
morrow I  set  out  for  the  army.  Ah,  I  want  to  see  whether 
that  drunken  general  of  hussars,  Blucher,  shall  not  yield  to 
me,  notwithstanding  his  crazy  cavalry  tricks;  whether 
Schwartzenberg,  my  faithless  pupil,  who  had  learned  the  art 
of  war  from 'me,  will  meet  me  in  a  pitched  battle;  and 
whether  Bernadotte,  my  rebellious  subject,  dare  look  me  in 
the  face.  Maret,  the  decisive  struggle  is  at  hand.  I  will 
take  the  field,  save  Paris,  and  conquer  the  enemy.  I  must 
call  upon  all  the  men  of  France  to  defend  the  sacred  soil  of 
our  country,  and  convert  every  house  into  a  castle,  every 

*  Marmontel,  "Grandeur  et  Decadeuce  des  Remains,"  ch.  v. 
28 


426  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

village  into  a  fortress,  so  that  my  enemies  shall  have  to  wrest 
every  inch  of  ground  from  us  at  a  vast  sacrifice.  Not  another 
word  about  peace !  Every  thing  is  ready.  Troops  are  hurry- 
ing forward  from  Spain  to  fill  up  my  army ;  in  a  few  days  they 
will  be  here.  Between  the  Seine  and  the  Marne  all  my  forces 
will  anite  and  put  a  stop  to  the  advance  of  the  allies  upon 
Paris.  We  shall  occupy  a  position  by  which  it  will  be  easy 
for  us  to  divide,  disperse,  and  crush  the  enemy.  Here,  in  the 
plain  between  these  rivers,  I  shall  march  along  the  Aube, 
scatter  the  allied  army,  hurl  most  of  my  troops  at  one  of  its 
wings,  and,  by  skilful  manoeuvres,  compel  the  other  wing 
to  fall  back.  The  enemy  must  retreat;  I  shall  profit  by  it, 
and  when  I  have  gained  a  great  battle  over  him,  I  can  im- 
pose my  own  terms;  I  have  then  conquered  an  honorable  peace 
for  France — one  that  we  can  subscribe  to  without  blushing. 
Ah,  I  see  a  brilliant  future!  It  is  time  to  begin.  My  eagles 
are  ascending;  they  are  not  ravens  or  bats — they  are  soaring 
to  the  sun."  As  the  emperor  uttered  these  words  his  soul 
illuminated  his  face;  he  was  again  the  conqueror,  confiding 
in  his  star. 

Maret  looked  anxiously,  but  admiringly,  at  Napoleon's 
face,  in  which  great  resolutions  were  beaming,  and  he  read 
there  an  assurance  and  determination  that  nothing  could 
change.  "You  have  made  up  your  mind,  then,  sire:  the 
war  is  to  go  on,  and  the  peace  congress  is  not  to  meet?" 

"On  the  contrary,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  smiling,  "let  it 
meet,  if  the  allies  wish  it.  While  Caulaincourt,  Metternich, 
and  Hardenberg,  are  dictating  terms  of  peace  with  their  pens, 
we  shall  do  so  with  our  swords,  and  we  shall  soon  see  which 
will  make  the  more  progress.  But  let  us  now  commence  with 
some  movements  of  peace.  We  must  be  on  good  terms  with 
Spain  and  Home.  Let  Ferdinand  return  as  King  to  Spain, 
and  as  such  become  my  ally.  I  shall  also  open  the  doors  of 
Pope  Pius's  prison  at  Fontainebleau ;  let  him  return  as  pope 
to  Eome,  and,  as  God's  vicegerent,  be  on  my  side.  Maret, 
here  are  already  two  allies.  In  order  to  conquer,  but  one  is 
wanting;  and  it  is  for  you,  Maret,  to  procure  it." 

"Sire,  what  is  the  name  of  this  ally?"  asked  the  Duke  de 
Bassano,  in  amazement. 

"Money!  money!  and,  for  the  third  time,  money!  Procure 
me  five  millions  in  cash,  and  I  can  add  one  hundred  thousand 
men  to  my  army." 

"Ah,  sire,  our  chests  are  empty!"  sighed  Maret. 


TALLEYRAND.  427 

•'But  I  must  have  money,"  replied  Napoleon,  vehemently. 
"Without  it  no  war  can  be  waged — no  victory  gained.  Five 
millions,  Maret;  I  need  them;  I  must  have  them!" 

Maret  looked  thoughtful.  Suddenly  his  face  kindled,  and 
his  whole  frame  shook  with  joy.  "  Sire,  your  majesty  asks  for 
five  millions?" 

"Yes,  five  millions,  to  begin  with." 

"  Well,  then,  sire,  I  can  tell  you  where  to  find  them,  and 
perhaps  more." 

"  Where?" 

"  Sire,  will  you  pledge  me  your  imperial  word  not  to  betray 
that  it  was  I  who  told  you  where  to  find  this  money?" 

"Certainly,  Maret." 

"  Listen,  sire ;  but  permit  me  to  whisper  what  I  do  not  wish 
even  the  walls  to  hear."  He  bent  close  to  the  emperor's  ear. 

Napoleon  listened  with  breathless  attention,  and  nodded 
repeatedly.  "You  really  believe  this  to  be  true,  Maret?"  he 
then  asked,  eagerly. 

"  Sire,  I  affirm  it  to  be  true.  It  is  a  secret  known  only  to 
three  persons !  It  was  betrayed  to  me  to  gain  me  over  by  an 
act  of  treachery — but  that  is  altogether  another  matter ;  the 
fact  is  sufficient." 

"  And  this  fact  is,  that  I  shall  find  with  my  mother  the 
millions  that  I  need?"  said  the  emperor.  "Maret,  if  that 
is  so,  I  shall  have  them  this  very  day." 

"  Your  majesty  believes  so?     Madame  Letitia — " 

"  My  mother  is  avaricious,  you  wish  to  say?  It  is  true,  her 
extreme  economy  has  often  vexed  me ;  to-day  it  gladdens  my 
heart;  for,  thanks  to  her  parsimony,  I  shall  find  with  her 
what  I  need  for  my  army.  She  will  deny  these  millions  to 
me,  to  be  sure;  but  you  told  me  where  to  look  for  them,  and 
I  pledge  you  my  word  I  know  how  to  find  and  take  them ! 
Hush,  not  another  word !  I  shall  have  what  I  want  within 
an  hour.  Go  now,  Maret.  You  will  meet  the  Prince  de 
Benevento  in  the  antechamber.  Send  him  to  me.  I  have  to 
address  a  few  parting  words  to  M.  de  Talleyrand." 

The  emperor  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  magnificently  fur- 
nished cabinet  when  the  Prince  de  Benevento  slowly  opened 
the  door  and  entered.  The  prince  bore  the  emperor's  piercing 
look  with  a  perfectly  composed  air.  Not  a  feature  of  his 
aristocratic  countenance  expressed  any  anxiety  and  his  smile 
did  not  for  an  instant  vanish  from  his  lips.  With  a  sort  of 
careless  bearing  he  approached  the  emperor,  who  allowed  him 


428  NAPOLEON  AND   BLUCHER. 

to  come  near  him,  still  watching  every  expression  of  his  coun- 
tenance. 

"  I  wished  to  see  you,"  he  said,  "  in  order  to  tell  you  that  I 
shall  set  out  for  the  army  the  day  after  to-morrow."  Talley- 
rand bowed,  but  made  no  reply.  "  Do  you  desire  to  accom- 
pany me?"  asked  the  emperor,  vehemently. 

"Sire,  what  should  I  do  at  the  headquarters  of  the  army?" 
said  Talleyrand,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  Your  majesty 
knows  well  that  I  could  be  of  very  little  service  in  the  army — 
that  I  am  able  only  to  wield  the  pen." 

"And  the  tongue!"  added  Napoleon.  "  But  before  leaving 
Paris  I  will  give  you  some  wholesome  advice;  bridle  both  your 
tongue  and  your  pen  a  little  better  than  you  have  done  of 
late.  I  know  that  you  will  not  shrink  from  any  treachery,  and 
that  you  are  the  first  rat  that  will  desert  the  sinking  ship ;  but 
consider  what  you  are  doing.  The  ship  is  not  yet  in  danger, 
and,  spreading  her  sails,  she  will  move  proudly  on  her  way." 

"I  hope  she  will  have  favorable  winds  and  deep  water," 
said  Talleyrand,  bowing  carelessly. 

Napoleon  looked  at  him  with  hatred  and  rage.  These 
equivocal  words — the  calm,  cold  tone  in  which  they  were  ut- 
tered, disturbed  the  emperor,  and  his  blood  boiled.  "  I  believe 
in  the  sincerity  of  your  wish,"  he  said,  "although  there  are 
many  who  assert  that  you  are  a  traitor.  I  have  given  you  fair 
warning;  now  prove  to  those  who  are  accusing  you,  that  they 
are  doing  you  injustice.  No  intrigues !  You  will  be  closely 
watched.  Beware!"  Talleyrand  bowed  again,  and  his  face 
still  retained  its  indifferent,  smiling  expression.  "  Listen  now 
to  what  I  have  to  say,"  added  Napoleon.  "  Prior  to  my  de- 
parture I  desire  to  put  an  end  to  the  dissensions  with  Borne 
and  Spain.  The  pope  will  leave  Fontainebleau  to-morrow  and 
return  to  Koine.  The  Infante  of  Spain,  too,  is  at  liberty  to 
return  to  his  country  and  ascend  the  throne  of  his  ancestors. 
Go  to-morrow  to  Valen9ay.  It  was  you  who  conveyed  Fer- 
dinand thither;  you  must,  therefore,  open  the  doors  of  his 
prison  that  you  locked." 

"  Sire,  I  thank  your  majesty  for  the  favor  which  you  desire 
to  confer  on  me,"  said  Talleyrand,  gravely.  "  But  it  was  not 
I  who  arrested  the  sacred  person  of  the  legitimate  King  of 
Spain ;  it  was  not  I  who  dared  to  deprive  him  of  his  rights — 
nay,  his  very  liberty.  I  acted  only  as  the  obedient  servant  of 
my  master,  for  your  majesty's  orders  made  me  the  jailer  of 
the  Infante  of  Spain." 


TALLEYRAND.  429 

Napoleon  approached  Talleyrand,  and  his  flaming  eye? 
seemed  to  pierce  his  soul.  "What!"  he  shouted,  in  a  louc 
voice.  "  You  wish  to  give  yourself  now  the  semblance  of  in- 
nocence in  this  affair?  What!  You  only  executed  my  orders, 
and  I  made  you  the  jailer  of  the  infante!  Who  was  it,  then, 
that  urged  me  to  do  this?  Who  was  it  that  told  me  it  was 
indispensable  for  me  to  crush  the  head  of  this  Spanish  hydra? 
Who  wished  even  to  persuade  me  to  more  energetic  measures 
than  imprisonment,  in  order  to  get  rid  of  the  royal  family  of 
Spain?  Who  told  me  at  that  time  that  it  would  be  wiser  and 
better  for  the  welfare  of  Europe  to  cut  the  G-ordian  knot  in- 
stead of  untying  it?  Do  you  remember  who  did  all  this?" 

Talleyrand  made  no  reply.  His  countenance  still  exhibiting 
the  same  indifferent  composure,  he  seemed  scarcely  to  have 
heard  the  rebukes  of  the  emperor.  His  head  slightly  bent 
forward,  his  eyes  half  closed,  his  lips  compressed,  he  stood 
leaning  with  one  hand  on  the  back  of  a  chair,  and  with  the 
other  playing  with  his  lace-frill.  This  conduct  greatly 
augmented  the  emperor's  anger.  "Will  you  reply  to  me?" 
thundered  Napoleon,  stamping  the  floor,  and  so  near  to  Talley- 
rand's foot  that  the  prince  softly  drew  it  back.  "  Will  you 
reply  to  me?" 

Talleyrand  looked  at  the  emperor  with  immovable  calmness. 
"Sire,"  he  said,  slowly,  "I  do  not  know  what  your  majesty 
means." 

"You  do  not  know  what  I  mean?"  echoed  Napoleon.  "If 
you  do  not,  listen!"  Unable  longer  to  overcome  his  anger, 
he  advanced  toward  Talleyrand,  and  the  prince  drew  back. 
As  if  beside  himself,  the  emperor  raised  his  clinched  fists,  and 
held  them  toward  the  prince's  face,  moving  through  the  large 
room,  while  Talleyrand,  looking  the  emperor  full  in  the  face, 
retreated,  taking  care  to  get  nearer  the  door. 

"I  will  tell  you  that  you  are  a  traitor,"  cried  Napoleon, 
rushing  forward — "  a  traitor  who  would  like  to  deny  to-day 
what  he  did  yesterday,  because  he  believes  that  another  era  is 
dawning,  and  that  he  must  betray  his  master  before  the  cock- 
crows for  the  first  time.  You  wish  to  deny  that  it  was  you 
who  urged  me  to  imprison  the  Spanish  prince?  You  are  im- 
pudent enough  to  tell  me  that  to  my  face?"  So  saying,  the 
emperor's  clinched  fists  almost  touched  the  cheek  of  the 
prince,  who  was  still  receding,  and  now  noticed  with  a  feel- 
ing of  relief  that  he  had  reached  the  end  of  his  dangerous 
promenade. 


430  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Do  you  really  dare  deny  your  past  in  so  barefaced  a  man- 
ner?" cried  Napoleon,  still  holding  his  fist  so  close  to  Talley- 
rand's cheek  that  he  almost  felt  it. 

The  prince  softly  put  his  hand  behind  his  back,  and  for- 
tunately succeeded  in  seizing  the  door-knob.  He  opened  the 
door  with  a  hasty  jerk  so  wide  that  the  gentlemen  assembled 
in  the  anteroom  enjoyed  the  spectacle  of  Napoleon  with  up- 
lifted fists  threatening  his  minister. 

"Sire,"  said  Talleyrand,  in  a  calm  voice,  "I  shall  not  dare 
say  any  thing ;  for  I  know  of  no  reply  to  what  your  majesty 
has  said."  The  prince  pointed  with  a  sarcastic  smile  to  the 
clinched  fists  of  the  emperor,  and,  without  complying  with 
the  requirements  of  usual  ceremony,  he  hastened,  more  rapidly 
than  his  lame  foot  generally  permitted  him  to  do,  through 
the  antechamber,  saluting  the  gentlemen  as  he  passed  with  a 
wave  of  his  hand  and  a  smile.  On  stepping  into  the  outer 
room  he  accelerated  his  pace,  gliding  down-stairs  as  softly  as 
a  cat,  and  hurrying  across  the  hall  to  his  carriage. 

"Home,"  he  said  aloud,  "at  a  gallop!"  When  the  horses 
started,  Talleyrand  leaned  back,  and  said  to  himself,  "This 
was  our  last  adieu !  I  shall  take  good  care  not  to  meet  Napo- 
leon again,  provided  he  is  stupid  enough  to  give  me  time  for 
making  my  dispositions." 

The  emperor  in  the  mean  time,  half  ashamed  of  himself, 
reentered  the  cabinet,  and  locked  the  door.  Angry  as  a  lion 
in  his  cage,  he  paced  to  and  fro  with  quick  steps,  when  sud- 
denly a  gentle  voice  behind  him  said,  "  Sire,  pray  be  so  gra- 
cious as  to  listen  to  me!" 

The  emperor  turned  with  an  angry  gesture,  and  saw  the 
Duke  de  Kovigo  standing  near  the  open  door  of  the  ante- 
chamber. "Well,  Savary,  what  do  yo  want?"  he  asked  in  a 
faint  voice.  "  Shut  the  door,  and  come  here.  Speak !  What 
do  you  want?" 

"Sire,  to  implore  you  to  be  on  your  guard,"  said  the  duke. 
"  Your  majesty  has  just  had  a  violent  scene  with  the  Prince 
de  Benevento." 

"  Who  told  you  so?" 

"  Sire,  we  could  distinctly  hear  your  majesty's  voice  in  the 
antechamber ;  and,  when  the  prince  opened  the  door,  the  rest, 
like  myself,  saw  your  threatening  attitude.  In  an  hour  all 
Paris  will  know  it." 

"Well?" 

"  Sire,  the  Prince  de  Benevento  is  not  the  man  to  forget  an 


TALLEYRAND.  431 

insult,  and  it  will  mortify  him  doubly  tha  the  world  will  hear 
of  it." 

"  Let  it  mortify  him!"  cried  Napoleon.  "  All  of  you  have 
insinuated  to  me  that  Talleyrand  is  a  traitor,  deserving  pun- 
ishment. I  have  chastised  him;  that  is  all." 

"  Sire,  the  chastisement  was  either  too  severe,  or  not  severe 
enough,"  said  Savary,  gravely.  "  Had  it  been  too  severe,  the 
generous  heart  of  your  majesty  would  think  of  offering  him 
some  satisfaction;  but  I  know  Talleyrand,  and  am  firmly  con- 
vinced of  the  truth  of  my  statement — I  pronounce  him  a 
plotter  of  dangerous  intrigues.  Your  majesty  therefore  can- 
not chastise  him  too  severely;  and,  having  gone  so  far,  you 
must  now  go  still  farther." 

"  How  so?     What  do  you  mean?" 

"  Sire,  I  mean  that  your  majesty,  instead  of  allowing  the 
Prince  de  Benevento  to  return  home,  ought  to  send  him  to 
Vincennes,  and  recommend  him  to  the  special  care  of  your 
friend  General  Daumesnil." 

"Ah,  I  ought  to  have  him  arrested!"  cried  Napoleon, 
shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  I  ought  to  make  a  martyr  out  of 
a  traitor!" 

"  No,  sire,  punish  a  traitor,  neither  more  nor  less!  I  know 
that  Talleyrand  is  one.  He  is  in  secret  communication  with 
the  legitimists,  corresponding  with  the  Bourbons,  through 
other  hands;  at  his  house,  meetings  of  malcontents  and 
secret  royalists  are  held  every  day ;  there  the  fires  are  kindled 
that  will  soon  burst  into  devouring  energy,  unless  your  majesty 
extinguish  them  in  time.  You  have  disdained  to  regain 
Talleyrand  by  promises  or  honors.  You  have  insulted  him, 
and  he  will  revenge  himself,  if  the  power  of  doing  so  be  left 
him.  Sire,  I  venture  to  remind  your  majesty  of  Machiavel, 
'  One  ought  never  to  make  half  an  enemy. ' ' 

"  It  is  true,"  murmured  Napoleon  to  himself,  thoughtfully, 
"nothing  is  more  dangerous  than  such  half  enmities.  Under 
the  mask  of  friendship  they  betray  us  the  more  surely." 

"  Hence,  sire,  pray  tear  this  mask  from  Talleyrand's  treach- 
erous face.  Meet  him  as  an  open  enemy.  Then  either  his 
enmity  will  be  destroyed  by  terror,  or  he  will  betray  his  in- 
tentions." 

"I  lack  proof  to  convict  him,"  said  Napoleon,  in  a  hesi- 
tating and  wavering  tone. 

"Well,  yes,"  exclaimed  Savary,  "you  have  no  proof,  but 
there  cannot  be  the  least  doubt  as  to  the  intrigues  which  he  is 


432  NAPOLEON  AND  BLTJCHER. 

bold  enough  to  plot.  The  opportunity  is  too  favorable  that 
he  should  not  endeavor  to  embrace  it.  Sire,  I  should  like  to 
urge  the  example  of  the  great  police-minister  of  Louis  XV. 
Whenever  M.  de  Sartines  was  on  the  eve  of  a  festival,  or  any 
great  public  ceremony,  he  sent  for  all  suspicious  persons  to 
whom  his  attention  was  particularly  directed,  and  said  to 
them,  'I  have  no  charge  against  you  at  present,  but  to-morrow 
it  may  be  different.  Habit  you  know  has  power  over  you,  and 
you  are  unlikely  to  resist  temptation.  It  would  be  incumbent 
upon  me  to  treat  you  with  extreme  rigor.  For  your  sake,  as 
well  as  mine,  be  kind  enough  therefore  to  repair  for  a  few  days 
to  a  prison,  the  choice  of  which  I  leave  to  yourselves. '  The 
suspected  persons  willingly  complied  with  his  request,  and 
no  arrests  were  made." 

"You  may  be  right;  M.  de  Sartines  was  undoubtedly  a 
sagacious  police-minister,"  said  the  emperor,  musingly.  "  His 
precaution  is  good  for  those  who  are  afraid ;  but  I  am  not ! 
If  I  conquer  my  enemies,  I  thereby  trample  in  the  dust  this 
vile  serpent,  too,  that  would  sting  me,  and  then  would  crawl 
as  a  worm  at  my  feet.  If  I  yield  to  my  enemies,  let  the 
structure  which  I  have  built  fall  upon  me.  It  will  not  matter 
then  whether  Talleyrand's  hand,  too,  broke  off  a  piece  of  the 
wall  or  not;  it  would  have  fallen  without  him.  Not  another 
word  about  it,  Savary!  My  carriage — I  will  ride  to  my 
mother!" 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  the  Prince  de  Benevento 
left  his  palace,  entered  a  hackney-coach,  and  was  driven  to 
one  of  the  remote  streets  of  the  Faubourg  St.  Germain.  He 
stopped  in  front  of  a  small,  mean-looking  house;  and,  when 
the  coach  had  gone,  the  prince  knocked  three  times  in  a 
peculiar  manner  at  the  street  door.  It  opened,  and  he  cau- 
tiously entered.  No  one  was  to  be  seen  in  the  lighted  hall ; 
but  Talleyrand  seemed  perfectly  familiar  with  the  locality ; 
and  crossing,  without  hesitation,  a  long  passage,  he  ascended 
the  thickly-carpeted  staircase.  Here  was  another  locked  door, 
beside  which  was  a  bell,  which  the  prince  rang  three  times. 
The  door  was  opened,  and  he  walked  through  a  long  corridor. 
The  passage  widened,  and  the  prince  was  now  in  a  brilliant 
hall,  decorated  with  paintings  and  gildings.  The  entrance 
through  the  small  house  was  plainly  but  a  circuitous  road  to 
one  of  the  palaces  of  the  Faubourg  St.  Germain  where  the 
royalists  were  plotting  mischief.  At  the  end  of  this  hall  was 
&  portiere,  in  front  of  which  was  a  richly-liveried  footman. 


TALLEYRAND.  4:53 

Talleyrand  whispered  a  few  words;  the  servant  bowed  and 
opened  the  door.  The  prince  now  entered  a  saloon,  furnished 
in  the  most  magnificent  and  tasteful  style,  where  another 
liveried  attendant  was  waiting.  "  The  Countess  du  Cayla?" 
asked  the  Prince  de  Benevento. 

"  She  is  in  her  cabinet.     Shall  I  announce  your  highness?" 

"  It  is  unnecessary." 

He  quickly  approached  and  knocked  softly  at  the  door  of 
the  cabinet.  A  sweet  voice  bade  him  come  in.  Before  him 
stood  a  young  lady  who  welcomed  him  with  a  charming  smile, 
but  with  an  air  of  ill-concealed  amazement.  "  Oh,  the  Prince 
de  Benevento!"  she  exclaimed,  merrily.  "You  come  to  me 
to-day ;  but  yesterday,  when  I  went  to  you  to  bring  you  greet- 
ings from  our  august  master,  King  Louis  XVIII.,  you  feigned 
not  to  understand  whom  I  wished  to  speak  of,  and  imposed 
silence." 

"  To-day  I  come  to  make  amends  for  what  I  did  yesterday, 
countess,"  said  Talleyrand,  with  his  graceful  kindness.  "  Be 
good  enough  to  inform  his  majesty  King  Louis  XVIII.  that 
he  may  henceforth  count  upon  my  services  and  my  zealous  de- 
votedness.  I  shall  assist  'him  in  opening  the  road  to  Paris, 
and  do  all  I  can  that  his  majesty  may  soon  be  able  to  make 
his  entrance  into  the  capital  of  his  kingdom." 

"  Then  you  have  forsaken  Napoleon  openly  and  unre- 
servedly!"  exclaimed  the  Countess  du  Cayla,  the  zealous  agent 
of  the  Count  de  Lille,  whom  at  that  time  none  but  the  royal- 
ists secretly  called  King  Louis  XVIII.  "  You  are,  then,  one 
of  us,  now  and  forever?" 

"Yes,  I  consider  myself  a  member  of  your  party,"  said 
Talleyrand,  "  and  at  heart  I  was  always  one  of  the  most  faith- 
ful and  zealous  servants  of  the  king.  I  can  prove  it,  for  it 
was  I  who  led  Napoleon,  step  by  step,  frequently  even  in  spite 
of  his  reluctance,  to  the  brink  of  ruin,  on  which  he  is  stand- 
ing now,  and  I  am  ready  to  give  him  a  last  thrust  to  plunge 
him  into  the  abyss.  The  emperor  has  been  guilty  of  great 
folly  to-day.  He  ought  to  have  had  me  arrested,  but  he  failed 
to  do  so.  For  this  mistake  I  shall  punish  him  by  profiting  by 
my  liberty  in  the  service  of  his  majesty  the  king.  Let  us 
consider,  therefore,  countess,  what  we  ought  to  do  for  the 
speedy  return  of  King  Louis  XVIII.  to  Paris." 

"Yes,  let  us  consider  that,"  exclaimed  the  countess;  "and 
if  you  have  no  objection,  prince,  we  shall  allow  the  faithful 
friends  of  his  majesty  to  participate  in  the  consultation.  Up- 


434  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ward  of  one  hundred  friends  are  already  assembled  in  the  large 
saloon,  and  they  are  doubtless  astonished  at  my  prolonged  ab- 
sence. Come,  prince !  You  will  meet  an  old  friend  among 
your  new  friends." 

"  Who  is  it,  countess?" 

"The  Duke  d'Otranto!" 

"What?     Is  he  here?     Has  he  dared  to  return?" 

"  He  has,  with  the  emperor's  sister,  the  Princess  Eliza 
Bacciochi ;  and  he  is  believed  to  be  with  her  in  the  south  of 
France,  in  order  to  await  the  course  of  events.  But  he  has 
secretly  and  in  disguise  come  to  Paris,  in  order,  like  you,  to 
offer  his  services  to  King  Louis.  Late  events  seem  to  have 
converted  him  into  a  very  zealous  royalist,  and  he  openly  ad- 
mits his  conversion.  He  boasts  of  having  said  to  the  Princess 
Eliza:  'Madame,  there  is  but  one  way  of  salvation:  the  em- 
peror must  be  killed  on  the  spot.*  ' 

"In  truth,  he  is  right,"  said  Talleyrand,  smiling;  "that 
would  speedily  put  an  end  to  all  embarrassments.  Well,  the 
emperor  intends  to  join  the  army ;  perhaps,  a  hostile  bullet 
may  become  our  ally,  and  save  us  further  trouble.  If  not, 
we  shall  speak  of  the  matter  hereafter.  Permit  me,  countess, 
to  conduct  you  to  the  saloon." 


CHAPTEK    XL VI. 

MADAME   LETITIA. 

PROFOUND  silence  reigned  in  the  palace  of  "  Madame  Me"re. " 
It  was  noonday,  and  the  male  and  female  servants,  as  well  as 
the  ladies  of  honor  of  the  emperor's  mother,  had  left  the 
palace  to  take  elsewhere  the  dinner  which  Madame  Letitia 
refused  to  give  them,  and  for  which  she  paid  them  every 
month  a  ridiculously  small  sum ;  only  the  two  cooks,  whom 
madame,  notwithstanding  her  objections,  had  to  keep,  in  com- 
pliance with  the  express  orders  of  the  emperor,  were  in  the 
kitchen,  but  under  the  vigilant  supervision  of  old  Cordelia, 
the  faithful  servant  who  had  accompanied  madame  from  Cor- 
sica to  France,  and  who,  since  then,  notwithstanding  all  vicis- 
situdes, had  remained  her  companion.  Cordelia  not  only 
watched  the  cooks  and  gave  them  what  was  needed  for  pre- 
paring the  meals,  but,  as  soon  as  the  dishes  were  handed  to 

*  "  M6moires  du  Due  de  Bovigo,"  vol.  vi.,  p.  352. 


MADAME  LETITIA.  435 

the  servant  who  was  to  carry  them  to  the  table,  she  hastened 
after  him  in  order  to  prevent  him  from  putting  anything 
aside.  When  Cordelia  went  with  the  servant,  she  opened, 
with  an  air  of  self-importance,  a  cupboard  fixed  in  the  wall  of 
the  corridor,  near  the  dining-oom,  of  which  she  alone  pos- 
sessed the  key,  and,  as  soon  as  the  servant  returned  with  the 
fragments  of  the  dinner,  she  locked  them  in  this  cupboard 
with  the  wine  and  bread ;  only  on  Sundays  did  the  dinner-table 
of  Madame  Mere  provide  any  thing  for  the  servants. 

To-day,  however,  was  not  Sunday,  and  hence  Madame  Cor- 
delia herself  had  placed  a  bottle,  half  filled  with  wine  remain- 
ing from  yesterday's  dinner,  on  the  table,  at  which  no  one 
but  Madame  Letitia  was  to  seat  herself,  one  of  the  ladies  of 
honor,  who  always  dined  with  her,  having  been  excused  on 
account  of  indisposition.  Madame  Letitia  was  therefore  alone 
to-day;  it  was  unnecessary  for  her  to  submit  to  the  restraint 
of  etiquette,  and  she  yielded  with  genuine  relief  to  an  un- 
wonted freedom.  She  was  in  her  sitting-room,  busily  engaged 
in  taking  from  a  large  basket,  the  plebeian  appearance  of  which 
contrasted  strangely  with  the  magnificent  Turkish  carpet  on 
which  it  stood,  the  folded  clothes  which  the  washerwoman 
had  just  delivered.  The  appearance  of  Madame  Mere  her- 
self was  also  in  some  contrast  with  the  gorgeous  surroundings 
amid  which  she  moved. 

The  room  was  furnished  with  princely  magnificence,  the 
walls  being  hung  with  heavy  satin,  and  curtains  of  the  same 
description,  adorned  with  gold  embroideries,  suspended  on 
both  sides  of  the  high  windows ;  the  richly-carved  chairs  'and 
sofas  were  covered  with  purple  velvet,  and  the  tables  had 
marble  slabs  of  Florentine  workmanship.  A  chandelier  of 
rock-crystal  hung  in  solid  gold  chains  from  the  ceiling; 
masterly  paintings  in  broad,  rich  frames  were  on  the  silken 
walls;  Japan  vases  stood  on  gilded  consoles,  and  numerous 
costly  ornaments  added  to  the  splendor  of  the  aristocratic 
apartment. 

Madame  Letitia,  standing  beside  the  wash-basket,  presented 
a  marked  contrast  with  all  this.  Her  tall  figure  was  wrapped 
in  a  light  white  muslin  dress  trimmed  below  with  rosettes, 
and  from  which  protruded  a  rather  large  foot,  covered  with  a 
cotton  stocking,  and  encased  in  a  coarse,  worn-out  shoe.  A 
sash  of  rose-colored  silk,  with  faded  embroidery,  encircled  her 
waist;  a  lace  shawl,  crossed  over  her  bosom,  and  tied  in  a 
careless  knot  on  her  back,  enveloped  her  neck  and  full  shoul- 


436  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ders.  Her  hair,  falling  down  in  heavy  gray  ringlets,  was  sur- 
mounted by  a  sort  of  turban,  and  a  large  bouquet  of  artificial 
roses,  fastened  above  her  forehead,  was  her  only  ornament. 

There  was  nothing  therefore  imposing  in  the  appearance  of 
the  emperor's  mother;  but  still  there  was  something  noble 
about  her,  and  that  was  her  face.  It  was  of  imperishable 
beauty;  its  outlines  were  classic  and  of  great  dignity,  and 
her  eyes,  which  were  of  the  deep,  incomparable  color  which 
she  had  bequeathed  to  her  son  the  emperor,  possessed  still  the 
lustre  of  youth ;  her  lips  were  fresh,  and  her  teeth  faultless ; 
not  a  single  wrinkle  furrowed  her  forehead,  and  her  finely- 
curved  nose  added  to  the  imperious  expression  of  her  features. 
The  whole  bearing  of  Madame  Letitia  indicated  a  lofty  and 
yet  a  gentle  spirit.  He  who  beheld  only  this  form,  with  its 
strange  dress,  could  not  refrain  from  smiling ;  but  a  glance  at 
the  beautiful  and  dignified  face  filled  the  beholder  with  feel- 
ings of  reverence  and  admiration. 

Madame  Letitia,  as  we  have  said,  was  engaged  in  unpacking 
the  clothes  just  returned  by  the  laundress.  This  was  an  oc- 
cupation which  she  never  intrusted  to  any  of  her  attendants, 
but  in  which  she  could  generally  engage  only  secretly  and  at 
night,  after  she  had  dismissed  them;  for  the  emperor  made  it 
incumbent  on  his  mother's  ladies  of  honor  to  observe  the 
strictest  etiquette,  and  forbade  her  to  occupy  herself  with 
affairs  improper  for  the  mother  of  an  emperor.  Hence, 
Madame  Letitia  was  obliged,  for  the  most  part,  to  lead  the 
life  of  an  aristocratic  lady,  embroider  a  little,  ride  out,  have 
her  companions  read  to  her,  receive  visitors,  and  pass  the  day 
in  ennui.  Only  at  night,  when  the  ladies  left  the  palace — 
when  etiquette  permitted  Madame  Letitia  to  retire  with  her 
maid  Cordelia  into  her  bedroom — only  then  commenced  her 
active  life.  At  that  time  madame  conversed  with  her  con- 
fidantes about  her  household  affairs;  she  decided  what  dishes 
should  be  prepared  for  the  following  day,  and,  when  all  were 
asleep  and  she  was  sure  of  being  watched  by  no  one,  she  pro- 
ceeded with  her  faithful  Cordelia  to  the  cupboard  of  the  cor- 
ridor to  examine  the  remnants  saved  from  dinner,  and  to  de- 
cide whether  they  might  not  be  served  up  again. 

On  this  day  she  was  free  from  the  restraints  of  etiquette. 
The  lady  on  service  had  been  taken  ill ;  and  her  second  lady 
of  honor,  not  anticipating  such  an  event,  had  obtained  leave 
to  take  a  trip  to  Versailles.  Madame  Letitia,  therefore,  was 
at  liberty  to  dispose  of  her  time  as  she  pleased ;  she  could 


MADAME  LETITIA.  437 

fearlessly  indulge  in  occupations  entirely  contrary  to  etiquette, 
and  she  embraced  this  rare  opportunity  in  the  course  of  the 
forenoon  of  examining  the  clothes,  which  otherwise  would  have 
had  this  honor  only  after  nightfall.  But  the  consequence 
was,  that  the  usually  serene  forehead  of  Madame  Letitia  grew 
dark,  because  she  was  by  no  means  satisfied  with  the  perform- 
ance of  her  laundress.  Just  as  her  busy  hands  took  up  an- 
other piece  from  the  basket  and  unfolded  it,  the  door  behind 
her  opened.  She  heard  it,  but  did  not  turn,  knowing  very 
well  that  it  was  Cordelia  who  entered  her  room,  for  no  one 
else  had  the  right  of  taking  such  a  liberty  without  being  duly 
and  formally  announced. 

"  Cordelia,"  she  exclaimed,  "Cordelia,  come  and  look  at 
these  towels  of  the  cook ;  all  of  them  are  already  threadbare, 
and  it  is  but  a  year  since  I  bought  them.  You  ought  to  tell 
the  cook  very  emphatically  that  she  should  be  more  careful 
and  not  ruin  my  towels.  Do  you  hear,  Cordelia?" 

"  Cordelia  is  not  here,"  said  a  grave,  angry  voice  behind  her. 
Madame  Letitia  started,  and  a  deep  blush  suffused  her  cheeks. 
Close  behind  her  stood  the  emperor,  fixing  his  stern  eyes  on 
his  mother. 

"  The  emperor!"  she  murmured,  yielding  to  the  first  move- 
ment of  terror,  and  sinking  back  on  her  chair." 

"Yes,  the  emperor!"  said  Napoleon,  approaching  and  cast- 
ing angry  glances  on  the  clothes  spread  out  on  the  table. 
"  The  emperor  pays  a  visit  to  his  mother,  and  finds  to  his 
amazement  that  little  respect  is  felt  here  for  his  orders,  and 
that  it  is  deemed  unnecessary  to  comply  with  his  wishes.  Ah, 
madame,  how  can  the  emperor  expect  the  people  to  obey  him 
everywhere  and  unconditionally,  when  his  own  family  set  an 
example  of  disobedience,  and  openly  show  that  the  emperor's 
orders  are  indifferent  to  them?" 

"  When  have  I  shown  indifference  to  them?"  asked  Madame 
Letitia,  casting  a  despairing  glance  on  the  basket. 

"You  show  it  at  this  very  hour,"  said  the  emperor,  sternly, 
"  and  every  thing  proves  that  you  are  in  the  habit  of  disobey- 
ing my  wishes.  I  met  with  no  footmen  in  the  outer  ante- 
chamber; I  did  not  see  the  chamberlain  of  your  imperial  high- 
ness in  the  adjoining  room." 

"  It  is  noonday,  and  they  have  gone  to  dinner." 

"Ah,  it  is  true,  your  imperial  highness  directs  your  court 
to  take  their  meals  at  other  houses,"  exclaimed  the  emperor, 
with  a  sarcastic  smile.  "  You  are  paying  board-money  to 


438  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  chamberlain,  the  valet  de  chambre,  and  the  footman,  so 
that  it  is  unnecessary  for  you  to  feed  them.  But  where  is  your 
waiting-lady,  madame?  Did  I  not  issue  orders  that  etiquette 
should  be  observed  at  my  mother's  palace,  and  that  your  impe- 
rial highness  should  always  have  your  lady  of  honor  with  you?" 

"  The  Duchess  d'Abrantes  was  suddenly  taken  sick  this 
morning,  and  had  to  return  to  her  house." 

"  In  that  case  the  second  lady  of  honor  ought  to  have  taken 
her  place." 

"  Yesterday  I  gave  permission  to  the  Countess  de  Castries 
to  go  to  a  family-festival  to  be  celebrated  at  Versailles,  and 
she  went  early  this  morning." 

"Every  thing,  then,  is  here  just  as  it  ought  to  be!"  cried 
the  emperor,  indignantly,  thrusting  the  basket  with  his  foot. 
"  It  is  in  strict  accordance  with  my  wishes  that  your  house  is 
empty,  that  you  are  so  occupied,  that  you  are  alone,  and  that 
there  was  no  one  to  announce  my  visit?" 

"  But  Cordelia  certainly  was  there,  and  quite  ready  to  at- 
tend to  this. " 

"Yes,  she  was,"  cried  the  emperor,  "and  it  is  true  she 
wished  to  do  me  that  honor.  But  I  would  not  allow  her,  and 
preferred  coming  to  you  without  being  announced.  In  truth, 
it  would  be  too  ludicrous  if  the  old  Sibyl  had  served  the  em- 
peror as  mistress  of  ceremonies. " 

"  She  formerly  did  him  far  greater  and  more  difficult  ser- 
vice," said  Madame  Letitia,  in  a  firm  and  calm  voice,  for  she 
had  fully  recovered  her  presence  of  mind,  and,  rising  from 
her  easy-chair,  proudly  bridled  herself  up  and  turned  toward 
the  emperor  her  face,  which  now  had  resumed  its  expression 
of  noble  dignity  and  composure. 

"When  I  first  saw  your  countenance,"  she  said,  calmly,  "I 
was  frightened,  and  greeted  you  in  my  terror  as  the  emperor. 
Pardon  me  for  it !  I  ought  to  have  remembered  that  when 
the  emperor  crosses  the  threshold  of  this  house,  he  ceases  to 
be  emperor,  and  is  simply  Napoleon  Bonaparte,  who,  as  it 
behooves  a  son,  comes  to  pay  his  respects  to  his  mother. 
Hence,  I  ought  to  have  greeted  you  at  once  as  my  son,  and 
if  I  did  not,  it  was  because  I  was  frightened,  for  I  am  not  ac- 
customed to  see  any  one  enter  here  without  being  announced. 
Now,  I  have  overcome  my  terror,  I  bid  you  welcome  with  all 
my  heart,  my  dear  son!"  She  offered  her  hand  to  Napoleon 
so  proudly  that  the  emperor,  scarcely  aware  of  what  he  did, 
pressed  the  small  white  hand  of  his  mother  to  his  lips. 


MADAME  LETITIA.  439 

A  gentle  smile  lit  up  the  beautiful  face  of  Madame  Letitia. 
"'I  forgive  you  also  your  vehement  words,  my  son,"  she  said; 
"  and  how  could  I  be  angry  with  you  for  forgetting  for  a 
moment  that  you  are  here  only  my  son,  when  I  myself  re- 
membered only  that  you  are  the  emperor?  Let  us,  therefore, 
make  peace  again.  Napoleon,  my  son,  I  bid  you  welcome 
once  more  with  all  my  heart." 

"  Even,  my  mother,  if  I  should  come  to  ask  my  dinner  of 
you?"  inquired  the  emperor,  smiling. 

Madame  Letitia  was  silent  for  a  moment.  "  Even  then !" 
she  said,  after  a  pause.  "  My  son  will  be  content  with  what  I 
am  able  to  give,  and  he  will  pardon  an  old  woman,  who  at- 
taches little  value  to  the  pleasures  of  the  table,  if  she  has,  on 
account  of  her  health,  but  a  very  plain  dinner." 

"  That  is  to  say,  we  shall  have  the  national  dish  of  Corsica 
— rice  dumplings  baked  in  oil!"  exclaimed  the  emperor, 
laughing. 

"  So  it  is,"  said  madame,  merrily.  "Ah,  I  see  my  son  has 
not  forgotten  his  native  Corsica;  then  he  will  also  have  a  kind 
look  for  poor  old  Cordelia,  who,  both  in  good  and  evil  days, 
has  been  the  most  faithful  and  honest  servant  of  our  house, 
who  frequently  carried  Napoleon  Bonaparte  for  whole  days  in 
her  arms,  and  when  he  was  sick  sat  at  his  bedside  and  nursed 
him  with  the  tenderness  of  a  mother.  I  will  tell  Cordelia  to 
take  this  basket  away,  and  inform  the  cook  that  we  have  a 
guest."  She  rang  the  bell;  the  door  of  the  adjoining  room 
opened  immediately,  and  old  Cordelia  entered.  She  stood 
still  at  the  door,  and  cast  mournful  glances,  now  on  Madame 
Letitia,  now  on  the  emperor. 

"  Well,  Cordelia,  do  you  not  greet  my  son?"  asked  madame. 
"  He  is  not  the  emperor  to-day,  but  comes  incognito  as  my 
son  to  ask  dinner  of  me." 

"And  listen,  dear  Delia,"  said  the  emperor,  speaking  to 
her  in  the  voice  of  a  child — 'listen,  dear  old  Cordelia;  after- 
ward let  us  go  and  play,  and  gather  shells  on  the  sea-shore. 
Shall  we  do  so,  'Lia?" 

An  air  of  unutterable  happiness  illuminated  the  face  of  old 
Cordelia  when  Napoleon  repeated  to  her,  in  the  voice  of  his 
childhood,  the  words  which  he  had  so  often  addressed  to  her. 
She  rushed  toward  him,  and,  sinking  down  before  him,  seized 
both  his  hands  and  pressed  them  to  her  lips.  "  Now  do  with 
me  what  you  like,  Napoleon,"  she  cried,  in  the  language  of 
her  native  country,  while  the,  tears  were  rolling  down  her 


440  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

cheeks,  "  I  belong  to  you  again,  with  every  drop  of  my  heart's 
blood.  Trample  me  under  foot,  strike  me,  kick  me,  as  you 
often  did  during  your  childhood — I  shall  never  murmur.  I 
am  as  a  faithful  dog,  who  allows  himself  to  be  beaten,  and 
yet  loves  his  master  to  the  last!" 

"  Yes,  she  is  as  constant  as  the  sea  that  washes  the  shores 
of  our  native  country,"  said  madame,  with  a  tear  in  her  eye. 
"  You  may  count  on  both  of  us,  Napoleon,  and  if  there  is 
power  in  our  prayers  you  will  always  be  victorious." 

The  emperor's  face  darkened.  He  had  forgotten  every 
thing  for  a  moment ;  but  he  soon  recollected  himself.  In  order 
to  be  victorious  and  prosperous  he  needed  not  only  soldiers 
but  money,  and  he  had  come  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  this 
from  his  mother.  He  disengaged  his  hands  from  those  of  old 
Cordelia,  and  motioned  her  to  rise.  She  obeyed  in  silence, 
quietly  took  up  the  clothes,  and  carried  them  off  in  the  basket. 

"  See  that  we  soon  have  dinner,"  said  madame  to  her. 
Cordelia  turned  and  looked  inquiringly  at  her  mistress,  who 
nodded  to  her;  Cordelia  nodded,  too,  and  went  out  smiling. 

A  quarter  of  an  hour  afterward,  the  emperor  conducted  his 
loving  mother  to  the  dining-table,  at  which  none  other  than 
themselves  were  to  be  seated.  When  they  entered,  the  em- 
peror's eyes  glided  with  a  strange,  searching  look  along  the 
paintings  hanging  on  the  Avails,  and  rested  for  a  moment  on 
the  landscape  which,  in  a  broad  gilded  frame,  was  directly  op- 
posite; then  a  faint  smile  flitted  over  his  features,  and  ho 
turned  toward  his  mother  to  address  a  few  pleasant  words  to 
her. 

The  dinner  commenced,  as  the  emperor  anticipated,  with 
Corsican  rice  dumplings  baked  in  oil.  He  partook  of  them 
with  great  relish,  and  this  favorite  dish  of  his  childhood  seemed 
to  have  restored  his  good  humor.  "  I  believe,"  he  said,  gayly, 
"  I  am  still  able  to  read  as  well  in  your  face,  mother,  as  I 
could  when  I  was  a  boy,  and  took  pains  to  discover  whether 
or  not  I  had  deserved  punishment  for  some  naughty  prank.  I 
believe  I  have  understood  your  mute  dialogue  with  Cordelia. 
Will  you  confess  the  truth  to  me  if  I  tell  you  what  Cordelia's 
glances  and  your  nod  signified?" 

"  Yes,  if  you  guess  it." 

"Well,  then,  mother,  did  not  Cordelia  inquire  by  her 
glances  whether  she  was  to  send  to  the  baker  for  bread,  and 
whether  the  remnant  of  yesterday's  dinner  should  not  be 
served  again  in  honor  of  my  presence?  And  did  not  your 


MADAME  LETITIA.  441 

nod  reply,  'Yes?'  Was  not  that  the  meaning  of  it?  Do  I 
guess  right?" 

"Yes,  ray  son,"  said  madame,  smiling;  "I  see  that  my 
haughty  daughters  Pauline  and  Eliza  have  made  you  familiar 
with  the  habits  of  my  household." 

"  They  have,"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "  They  told  me  Madame 
Mere  had  every  day  only  three  loaves  of  white  bread  brought 
from  the  baker  for  herself  and  Cordelia." 

"  They  told  you  the  truth ;  all  my  officers  and  servants  receive 
their  board-money,  and  three  loaves  are  sufficient  for  us  two. 
Ah,  my  son,  how  happy  would  you  have  often  been,  when  still  a 
lieutenant,  had  you  had  only  one  of  the  three  loaves  every  day !" 

"Eliza  told  me  still  other  things,"  said  Napoleon,  casting 
a  glance  toward  the  large  oil  painting.  "  She  told  me  you 
had,  like  all  honest  bourgeoises,,  your  water-carrier,  who  fur- 
nished every  day  six  buckets  of  water." 

"  Eliza  told  you  the  truth  again.  It  is  still  the  same  water- 
carrier  whom  we  employed  when  we  lived  in  the  Faubourg  St. 
Honore ;  he  is  a  faithful  and  honest  man ;  why,  then  should  I 
withdraw  this  little  patronage  from  him?" 

"  But  you  puy  him  no  more  for  his  water,  now  that  you  are 
the  emperor's  mother,  than  you  did  when  you  were  a  poor 
widow  with  nine  children." 

"  God  makes  the  water  flow,  and  it  is  the  same  now  as  then. 
Why  should  I,  then,  pay  more  for  it?" 

"Eliza  told  me,  also,"  added  the  emperor,  dwelling  with 
singular  perseverance  on  the  same  subject,  "  that,  instead  of 
collecting  a  library,  and  buying  the  books  you  read,  you  have 
subscribed  to  the  bookseller  Kenard's  circulating  library." 

"  There  are  very  few  books  that  deserve  the  honor  of  being 
bought,"  said  madame,  in  a  dignified  tone. 

"And  is  it  true,  too,"  asked  the  emperor,  "that  you  have 
the  books  brought  by  the  bookseller's  clerk  to  you  every  week 
the  year  round,  and  that  you  have  the  same  exchanged  by 
your  servants  during  only  New- Year's  week,  in  order  thereby 
to  avoid  giving  a  New- Year's  present  to  the  clerk?" 

"It  is  true,"  said  madame,  calmly.  "This  clerk  is  not 
poor,  nor  the  father  of  a  family;  I  avoid,  therefore,  giving 
him  the  money  which  I  prefer  giving  to  poor  men." 

"But,  madame,"  cried  Napoleon,  angrily,  "you  really  sur- 
pass Harpagon,  and  Moliere  has  cause  to  complain  that  he 
did  not  know  you."  * 

'Napoleon's  words.— Vide  Le  Normand,  vol.  ii.,  p.  461. 
29 


442         NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Moliere  has  assuredly  cause  to  deplore  that  he  did  not  live 
at  the  present  time,"  said  madame,  quietly,  "for  if  he  lived 
now,  he  would  have  seen  on  the  throne  of  France  a  prince 
who  is  even  greater  and  more  illustrious  than  his  own  Louis 
XIV.  And  he  would  have  certainly  been  glad  to  make  my 
acquaintance,  as  I  am  the  mother  of  this  great  man." 

"  The  mother  of  an  emperor,  and  yet  living  so  parsimoni- 
ously that  one  might  believe  your  son  suffered  you  to  starve ! 
And  still,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  you  receive  a  million  francs 
a  year  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  your  court.  Am  I  right, 
mother?" 

"  Yes,  my  son;  I  receive  a  million  francs  a  year." 

"Ah,  madame,"  cried  the  emperor,  "then  you  must,  con- 
sidering your  economy,  lay  by  riches  every  year?" 

Madame  Letitia's  face  was  serious;  the  emperor  had  touched 
a  chord  unpleasant  to  her  ear. 

"No,"  she  said,  abruptly,  "I  lay  by  no  riches,  for  my  ex- 
penses are  heavy." 

"  But  your  income  is  larger,"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "  I  am 
satisfied  that  you  spend  far  less  than  you  receive.  "Whom  do 
you  economize  for,  madame?" 

"Whom?"  asked  madame,  in  an  angry  voice.  "I  might 
say  for  myself,  for  my  future,  for  that  is  uncertain,  and  one 
is  never  able  to  know  what  may  happen.  But,  in  addition  to 
myself,  I  have  to  take  care  of  your  brother  Lucien,  for  your 
majesty  knows  well  that  he  is  poor." 

"  Because  he  would  not  accept  the  kingdom  which  I  offered 
to  him." 

"  Because,  as  a  king,  he  would  not  be  a  dependent  vassal, 
the  mere  lieutenant  of  his  brother.  What,  sire !  Would  you 
accept  a  kingdom  offered  to  you  on  condition  that  you  should 
never  have  a  will  of  your  own,  but  always  obey  that  of  another?" 

"I  would  not,"  said  the  emperor,  smiling;  "but  I  am  the 
emperor." 

"  You  are  Lucien 's  brother,  and  he  is  no  less  proud  than 
the  emperor.  Let  us  say  no  more  about  it.  He  is  poor ;  that 
was  all  I  wished  to  say.  He  is  unable  to  endow  his  daughters, 
and  I  have,  therefore,  taken  this  upon  myself.  You  know 
now.  my  son,  what  my  savings  are  for." 

"But  I  am  just  as  well  your  son  as  Lucien,"  said  the  em- 
peror, in  a  bland  voice;  "you  may  ve'ry  well  have  laid  by 
money  for  both  of  your  sons.  I  am  in  the  same  predicament 
as  my  brother.  I  am  poor,  and  need  money.  Hence  I  come 


MADAME  LETITIA.  443 

to  you,  to  my  mother,  and  pray  you,  let  me  have  some  of  your 
savings.  I  know  you  have  money;  I  need  it,  and  you  would 
place  me  under  the  greatest  obligations  if  you  would  lend  me 
a  large  sum." 

Madame  Letitia  gravely  shook  her  head.  "  You  are  mis- 
taken, sire,"  she  said;  "  I  have  only  as  much  as  I  need." 

The  emperor's  forehead  darkened  more  and  more.  "  Ma- 
dame," he  cried,  in  a  tone  of  irritation,  "I  repeat  to  you,  it 
is  a  great  favor  which  I  ask  of  you !" 

"  And  I  repeat  that  I  have  no  money  to  spare ;  I  had  some, 
but  sent  it  recently  to  Lucien,  who  needs  it." 

"  Well,  then,  let  us  say  no  more  about  it,"  replied  the  em- 
peror, rising,  and,  as  if  to  overcome  his  vexation,  turning  to- 
ward the  paintings,  and  closely  inspecting  one  after  another. 
"You  have  very  fine  paintings,  madame,"  he  said,  after  a 
pause. 

"  Yes,  the  work  of  great  masters,"  replied  madame,  com- 
posedly. "  You  reproach  me  with  being  very  parsimonious, 
sire;  I  have,  however,  paid  very  large  sums  to  artists." 

"I  am  especially  delighted  with  this  landscape,"  said  the 
emperor,  standing  in  front  of  the  Swiss  landscape,  on  which 
he  had  repeatedly  cast  furtive  glances. 

"  Well,  it  is  very  fine  and  costly,"  said  madame. 

The  emperor  was  silent,  and  looked  up  again  attentively  to 
the  painting.  He  then  turned  toward  his  mother,  who  stood 
near  him.  "  Mother,"  he  exclaimed,  "  I  asked  money  of  you, 
and  you  refused  it.  Will  you  refuse  my  request,  too,  if  I  ask 
you  to  present  me  with  this  fine  landscape?" 

"  On  the  contrary,"  said  madame,  "  I  am  glad  to  be  able  to 
fulfil  your  majesty's  wish.  I  shall  have  the  painting  conveyed 
to  the  Tuileries  this  very  day. " 

"No,"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  smiling,  "it  will  be  better 
to  take  it  at  once  with  me  in  my  carriage.  You  are  so  eco- 
nomical, mother,  you  might  repent  of  having  given  me  so 
costly  a  present,  and  might  want  to  keep  it." 

"Sire,"  said  madame,  solemnly,  "the  emperor's  mother 
pledges  you  her  word  that  you  shall  receive  the  painting  this 
very  day." 

"Madame,"  replied  her  proud  son,  no  less  solemnly,  "the 
emperor's  mother  also  pledged  me  her  word  that  she  has  no 
money  to  lend  me,  and  yet  I  venture  to  believe  that  she  has 
laid  by  a  great  deal.  Pardon  me,  therefore,  if  I  persist  in 
taking  the  painting  with  me. — Delia,  Delia!"  The  door  of 


444  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

the  corridor  opened,  and  old  Cordelia  looked  in.  "  Run,  Cor- 
delia, and  tell  my  two  valets  de  chambre,  Constant  and 
Roustan,  to  come  hither  at  once." 

Cordelia  disappeared,  and  Napoleon  now  turned  his  head 
slowly  toward  his  mother.  Madame  Letitia  became  pale; 
large  drops  stood  on  her  forehead ;  her  eyes  were  flashing  with 
angry  excitement,  and  her  lips  were  quivering.  But  over- 
coming her  agitation  she  forced  herself  to  smile,  and  offered 
her  hand  to  the  emperor.  "  Come,  my  son,  let  us  go  into  my 
cabinet  and  take  coffee.  It  is  unnecessary  for  us  to  be  present 
with  the  servants.  Come,  sire." 

The  emperor  did  not  take  her  hand,  but,  slightly  bowing, 
drew  back.  "  Permit  me  to  stay,  madame,  till  my  servants 
have  taken  the  painting  from  the  wall." 

Madame  could  not  suppress  a  sigh,  and  clutched  a  chair,  as 
if  she  needed  a  support. 

The  door  opened,  and  the  two  imperial  valets  de  chambre, 
Constant  and  Roustan,  entered.  "Come  here,"  cried  the 
emperor,  "take  this  down  and  carry  it  into  my  carriage." 
The  valets  hastened  to  take  the  painting  carefully  from  the 
wall.  The  emperor's  glance  passed  over  the  spot  which  it  had 
covered.  He  saw  that  part  of  the  silk  hangings  looked  some- 
what fresher  and  darker  than  the  rest.  "  One  would  think 
the  wall  here  were  wet,  and  had  moistened  the  hangings,"  he 
said,  laying  his  hand  on  the  dark  spot.  "No,"  he  then  ex- 
claimed, "  the  wall  is  hollow  here !  Let  us  see  what  it  means. " 

Madame  uttered  a  cry,  and,  sinking  into  a  chair,  closed 
her  eyes. 

The  emperor  now  hastily  tore  off  the  dark  piece  covering  the 
wall,  and  behind  it  was  a  deep  square  hole,  in  which  stood  a 
rather  large-sized  iron  box.  "Ah!  do  you  see,  madame," 
cried  the  emperor,  smiling  gayly,  "  I  discover  here  a  secret 
which  you  yourself  were  ignorant  of.  It  is  evidently  a  box 
which  the  former  proprietors  of  this  palace  concealed  here 
during  the  revolution  from  the  rapacious  hands  of  the 
Jacobins." 

Madame  made  no  reply ;  her  eyes  were  still  closed,  and  she 
sat  pale  and  motionless. 

"The  box  is  heavy!"  added  the  emperor,  trying  to  lift  it 
up.  "  Constant,  fetch  the  footmen  to  assist  you  in  carrying  it 
into  my  carriage. — I  will  take  it  with  me,  madame,"  he  said, 
turning  toward  his  mother,  "I  will  personally  examine  its 
contents."  At  this  moment  Constant  returned  with  four 


MADAME  LETITIA.  445 

footmen,  and  the  six  men  succeeded  at  length  in  lifting  the 
iron  box.  "Now  carry  it  immediately  into  my  carriage," 
commanded  the  emperor. 

Panting  under  their  heavy  load,  the  men  left  the  room. 
The  emperor  looked  after  them  until  the  door  closed.  He 
then  turned  again  toward  his  mother,  who  sat  motionless  and 
with  her  eyes  closed.  "Farewell,  mother,"  he  said;  "I  am 
anxious  to  examine  the  contents  of  the  box  which  I  Avas  lucky 
enough  to  find.  But  I  must  not  dare  now  to  deprive  you  of 
your  beautiful  painting.  This  hole  in  the  wall  must  be 
covered,  and  your  imperial  highness  might  not  at  once  have 
another  picture  worthy  of  replacing  this  landscape.  I  thank 
you,  therefore,  for  your  present,  and  take  the  will  for  the 
deed.  Farewell,  madame!"  He  bowed  and  walked  slowly 
toward  the  door.* 

Madame  Letitia  said  nothing,  and  made  no  movement  to 
return  the  emperor's  salutation.  As  he  departed,  she  groaned 
and  wept.  "Five  millions!"  she  murmured,  after  a  pause — 
"  the  savings  of  long  years  has  my  son  taken  from  me.  Five 
millions! — the  dower  that- 1  had  laid  by  for  Lucien's  daugh- 
ters— that  I  had  economized  for  the  time  when  these  days  of 
prosperity  will  end."  She  buried  her  face  in  her  hands  and 
sobbed  aloud.  At  length  her  grief  seemed  somewhat  calmed, 
and  she  raised  her  head  again.  "Well,"  she  said,  aloud,  "I 
formerly  supported  my  family  of  nine  children  on  an  income 
of  less  than  a  hundred  louis  d'ors  a  year;  if  need  be,  I  can  do 
so  again,  and  I  hope  I  shall  have  at  least  so  much  left  that 
Lucien  and  his  daughters  will  not  starve.  I  must  be  even 
more  parsimonious."  f 

Two  days  afterward,  on  the  25th  of  January,  the  emperor 
left  Paris  for  his  army,  and  entered  upon  the  last  struggle. 
He  was  fully  aware  of  the  dangers  threatening  him.  Hence, 
prior  to  leaving  Paris,  he  put  his  house  in  order.  The  re- 
gency by  letters-patent  was  conferred  on  the  Empress  Maria 
Louisa,  but  with  her  was  conjoined  his  brother  Joseph,  under 
the  title  of  lieutenant-general  of  the  empire ;  and  Cambaceres, 
the  arch-chancellor,  was  placed  at  the  head  of  the  council  of 
state.  The  emperor  then  received  the  officers  of  the  National 

*Le  Normand,  "Memoires,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  448. 

t  Lucien,  the  ablest  and  noblest  of  Napoleon's  brothers,  lived  in  constant  dissen- 
sion with  him,  for  he  would  not  submit  to  his  will.  He  declined  the  throne  of  Naples 
because  the  emperor  imposed  the  condition  that  he  should  govern  in  precise  accord- 
ance with  the  orders  given  him.  He  married  a  distinguished  and  beautiful  Roman 
lady,  and  when  Napoleon  afterward  offered  him  the  throne  of  Tuscany  on  condition 
that  he  should  get  a  divorce  from  his  wife,  Lucien  refused,  and  preferred  to  live  in 
obscurity  outside  of  France,  and  to  dispense  with  the  splendor  surrounding  his  family. 


446  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Guard  of  Paris  in  the  apartments  of  the  Tuileries.  The  em- 
press preceded  him  on  entering  the  apartments,  carrying  the 
King  of  Eome  in  her  arms.  Greeting  the  officers,  the  em- 
peror said :  "  Gentlemen  of  the  National  Guard  of  Paris,  I 
am  glad  to  see  you  assembled  here.  I  am  about  to  set  out  for 
the  army.  I  intrust  to  you  what  I  hold  dearest  in  the  world 
— my  wife  and  my  son.  Let  there  be  no  political  divisions ; 
let  the  respect  for  property,  the  maintenance  of  order,  and, 
above  all,  the  love  of  France,  animate  every  heart.  I  do  not 
disguise  that,  in  the  course  of  the  military  operations  to  en- 
sue, the  enemy  may  approach  in  force  to  Paris;  it  will  be  an 
affair  of  only  a  few  days :  before  they  are  passed  I  will  be  on 
the  flanks  and  rear,  and  annihilate  those  who  have  dared  to 
invade  our  country.  Efforts  will  be  made  to  cause  you  to 
waver  in  your  allegiance  and  the  fulfilment  of  your  duty;  but 
I  firmly  rely  on  your  resisting  such  perfidious  temptations. 
Farewell,  and  God  bless  us  all !"  *  Then,  taking  his  son  in 
his  arms,  he  went  through  the  ranks  of  the  officers,  and,  pre- 
senting him  to  them  as  their  future  sovereign,  he  exclaimed, 
in  a  voice  tremulous  with  emotion :  "  I  intrust  him  to  you ;  I 
intrust  him  to  the  love  of  my  loyal  city  of  Paris!" 

The  National  Guard  responded  by  protestations  of  fidelity 
and  devotedness.  Cries  of  enthusiasm  rent  the  apartments; 
tears  were  shed,  and  a  sense  of  the  solemnity  of  the  moment 
penetrated  every  mind.  All  shouted,  "Long  live  the  em- 
peror! Long  live  the  empress!"  Maria  Louisa,  pale  with 
emotion,  her  face  bathed  in  tears,  leaned  her  head  on  the  em- 
peror's shoulder;  and,  holding  his  son  in  his  left  arm,  he 
placed  his  right  around  the  trembling  form  of  his  consort. 
At  the  sight  of  this  touching  group  the  enthusiasm  of  the 
National  Guard  knew  no  bounds.  They  wept,  cheered,  and 
swore  they  would  die  to  a  man  rather  than  forsake  the  emperor 
— that  they  would  allow  Paris  to  be  laid  in  ruins  by  the  artil- 
lery of  the  enemy  rather  than  surrender  the  empress  and  the 
King  of  Kome. 

But  this  enthusiasm  of  the  National  Guard  met  with  no 
response  beyond  the  Tuileries.  Paris  maintained  an  ominous 
silence,  and,  when  the  emperor  rode  through  the  city  at  night, 
the  streets  were  deserted;  no  one  had  awaited  him  to  pay 
homage  on  his  departure.  Paris  was  asleep — its  sleep  that  of 
exhaustion — and  the  people  were  dreaming,  perhaps,  that  ad- 
versity was  hastening  upon  them. 

'Constant,  "M6moires,"  vol.  vi.,  p.  7. 


FALL  OF  PARIS. 


CHAPTER    XLVII. 

THE   BATTLE    OF   LA   ROTHIERE. 

THE  morning  of  the  1st  of  February  dawned  cold  and 
gloomy;  heavy  gusts,  driving  the  snow  across  the  plain,  gave 
to  the  landscape  a  sad  and  dreary  aspect.  Silence  reigned  in 
the  camps  of  the  hostile  armies.  In  that  of  Napoleon  at 
Brienne,  and  farther  down  the  valley  at  the  village  of  La 
Rothiere,  on  this  side  of  the  Aube,  the  camp-fires  of  the  night 
were  flickering  in  the  gray  morning,  and  far  away  on  the 
horizon  were  seen  the  dark  outlines  of  the  castle  of  Brienne. 
There  Napoleon  had  passed  the  last  night  of  January,  and  in 
the  vicinity  encamped  his  troops,  scarcely  thirty  thousand 
strong,  the  remnant  of  that  "  grand  army  "  which  the  emperor 
had  so  often  led  to  victory. 

In  the  camp  of  the  Silesian  army,  too,  all  was  quiet.  It 
encamped  beyond  the  Aube,  on  the  heights  of  Trannes  and 
Eclance,  in  the  vineyards  and  the  forests  of  Beaulieu ;  it  was 
enjoying  repose  after  a  prolonged  exposure  and  privation. 
But  its  commander-in-chief,  Field-Marshal  Blucher,  seemed 
to  have  no  need  of  rest.  Scarcely  had  daylight  dawned  when 
he  was  already  on  horseback,  and  rode  to  the  crest  of  the 
mountain,  by  the  side  of  his  faithful  adviser  and  friend  Gen- 
eral Gneisenau,  and  followed  by  his  pipe-master.  From  the 
crest  he  was  able  to  survey  the  whole  valley  of  La  Rothiere 
and  Brienue,  lying  at  a  distance  of  scarcely  four  miles. 

Blucher  raised  his  right  arm  toward  the  city  and  heaved  a 
deep  sigh.  "Gneisenau,"  he  said,  "I  am  deeply  mortified  at 
the  defeat  which  Bonaparte  inflicted  on  us  two  days  ago.  I 
cannot  get  over  it,  and  can  imagine  what  a  hue-and-cry  the 
distinguished  gentlemen  at  headquarters  have  raised,  and  how 
the  trubsalssprilzen  are  croaking  again:  Blucher  is  a  crazy 
hussar  who  always  wants  to  drive  his  head  through  a  wall,  and 
y«t  cannot  get  through  it,  and  only  causes  us  all  a  vast  deal 


448  NAPOLEON   AND  BLUCHER. 

of  trouble.'  I  can  imagine  how  the  peace  apostles  are  raising 
their  voices  again,  crying  that  war  ought  to  cease,  and  we 
should  run  home  because  we  did  not  gain  the  battle  of  Brienne. 
It  is  indispensable,  therefore,  for  us,  Gneisenau,  to  strike  a 
good  blow  and  get  even  with  Napoleon.  Yonder  the  fellow 
stands,  with  his  few  thousand  men,  showing  his  teeth,  as  if  he 
were  still  the  lion  that  needed  only  to  shake  his  mane  to 
frighten  us  off  as  flies.  I  will  show  him  that  I  am  no  fly,  but 
a  man  who  is  able  at  any  time  to  cope  with  him  and  such  as 
are  with  him.  Gneisenau,  we  cannot  help  it;  we  must  attack 
him  this  very  day.  We  must  silence  the  trilbsalsspritzen,  in 
order  to  accelerate  our  operations  against  Paris." 

"You  are  right,  field-marshal,"  said  Gneisenau;  "we  must 
strike  a  decisive  blow,  and  compel  the  gentlemen  at  head- 
quarters to  discontinue  their  present  system  of  procrastina- 
tion. We  must  show  Napoleon  that  we  have  also  passed 
through  a  military  school,  though  not  at  Brienne." 

"  It  makes  me  feel  angry,  Gneisenau,  that  we  were  unable 
to  show  him  that  at  the  very  city  of  Brienne.  I  had  thought 
how  well  it  would  be  for  me  to  prove  to  him,  at  the  place 
where  he  passed  his  examination  and  received  his  first  com- 
mission, that  I  had  also  passed  my  examination  and  learned 
something.  Well,  it  is  no  use  crying  about  it  now ;  we  must 
try  to  get  over  it,  and  only  think  of  the  best  manner  in  which 
we  may  be  even  with  him.  General  Wrede  must  join  us  with 
his  troops  at  noon  to-day,  when  we  shall  be  stronger  than 
Bonaparte,  Marment,  and  all  his  marshals  together." 

"See!"  cried  Gneisenou,  whose  eyes  were  directed  to  the 
camp  of  the  enemy,  "  the  troops  yonder  have  put  themselves 
in  motion ;  I  see  it  quite  distinctly  now  that  the  view  is  clearer. 
But  they  are  not  advancing. " 

"No,"  cried  Blucher,  "they  are  retreating;  they  intend  to 
escape  us ;  Bonaparte  wishes  to  avoid  a  battle.  But  that  will 
not  do ;  I  must  have  my  battle  here !  How  am  I  to  get  to 
Paris  if  I  do  not  rout  his  forces?  how  am  I  to  pull  him  down 
if  the  present  state  of  affairs  goes  on  as  heretofore?  A  blow 
must  be  struck  now ;  we  must  take  revenge  for  Brienne  to- 
day!" 

"Wrede  will  be  here  with  his  troops  at  noon,"  said  Gneise- 
nau, thoughtfully;  "let  us,  therefore,  attack  the  enemy  at 
twelve  o'clock,  and  make  all  necessary  dispositions  for  it. 
Above  all,  couriers  should  be  sent  to  headquarters." 

"Yes,  Gneisenau,  it  is  your  province  to  attend  to  all  that, 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LA  ROTHIERE.         449 

for  you  know  well  that  you  are  the  head  and  I  am  the  arm. 
Consider  all  that  is  necessary ;  I  know  only  that  Bonaparte 
contemplates  a  retreat,  and  that  I  must  compel  him  to  accept 
battle.  I  have  felt  sad  enough  for  the  past  three  days ;  for, 
say  yourself,  Gneisenau,  is  it  not  sheer  arrogance  for  Bona- 
parte to  remain  here  so  long  quietly  in  front  of  us,  as  though 
he  intended  to  give  us  time  for  uniting  our  forces,  and 
thought  we  were  after  all,  too  cowardly  to  defeat  him?" 

"  It  is,  perhaps,  not  arrogance,  but  disgust  and  weariness," 
said  Gneisenau,  thoughtfully.  "The  prince  of  battles  seems 
to  be  exhausted,  and  to  have  lost  confidence." 

"A  pretty  fellow  ho  is  whom  misfortunes  at  once  exhaust," 
grumbled  Blucher,  "  and  who  is  courageous  only  as  long  as  he 
is  successful !  But  I  do  not  object  to  this  disposition  of  Bona- 
parte, for  every  thing  turns  out  now  highly  advantageous  to 
us.  The  Austrians,  the  Wurtembergers,  and  the  Bavarians, 
have  come  up,  and  will  cooperate  with  us.  Gneisenau,  dis- 
patch your  couriers  to  headquarters,  that  the  monarchs  may 
come.  Take  out  your  note-book;  I  will  dictate  to  you  what 
occurs  to  me,  and  what  are  my  plans  in  regard  to  the  battle. — 
Halloo,  Christian!  give  me  a  pipe!  I  can  think  much  better 
when  smoking!" 

Christian  galloped  up,  and  with  a  grave  air  handed  the 
short  pipe  to  his  master.  "Pipe-master,"  said  Blucher, 
"hold  a  good  many  pipes  in  readiness  to-day,  for  there  will 
be  a  fight,  and  you  know  that  our  gunners  fire  more  steadily 
when  my  pipe  is  burning  well. — Well,  write  now,  Gneisenau: 
'Precisely  at  twelve  the  troops  will  be  put  in  motion,  and  de- 
scend from  Trannes  into  the  plain.  In  the  centre,  Sacken's 
infantry  will  advance  upon  La  Eothiere  in  two  columns.  The 
Austrians  form  the  left,  and  will  march  on  the  town  of  Dion- 
ville.  The  hereditary  Prince  of  Wurtemberg's  corps,  compos- 
ing the  right  wing,  will  penetrate  through  the  forest  of 
Beaulieu,  and  take  the  village  of  La  Gibrin.  Olsuwiew's 
infantry  and  Wassilchikow's  cavalry,  Sacken's  reserves, 
will  follow  the  two  columns  of  the  centre.  Two  divisions 
of  Russian  cuirassiers  and  Rajewski's  corps  of  grenadiers  will 
remain  in  reserve  on  the  heights  of  Traunes.  The  Bavarian 
corps,  under  Wrede,  will  be  stationed  on  the  extreme  right 
wing.'*  Well,  that  is  enough;  close  your  note-book,"  said 
Blucher,  blowing  a  large  cloud  of  smoke  from  his  mouth. 
"  Every  thing  else  will  come  of  itself  after  the  fight  has  be- 

*  Beitzke,  vol.  iii.,  p.  118. 


450  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

gun.  I  have  said  what  I  had  to  say,  and  now  commences 
your  work,  Gneisenau.  Dispatch  couriers  quickly  to  the 
headquarters  of  the  sovereigns,  and  may  they  arrive  here  in 
time,  and  not  again,  by  their  hesitation  and  timidity,  spoil 
our  game,  coming  too  late  from  fear  of  coming  too  early !  Let 
me  tell  you  that  I  am  not  afraid  of  Bonaparte,  with  his  young 
guard  and  his  army  of  conscripts.  We  are  twice  as  strong, 
for  we  have  eighty  thousand  men,  and  his  forces,  I  believe, 
are  not  forty  thousand.  Besides,  we  have  allies  whom  Bona- 
parte cannot  have — the  good  God  and  His  angel,  Queen  Louisa. 
He  has  sent  us  to  put  an  end  to  the  tyranny  of  the  robber  of 
crowns,  and  Queen  Louisa  is  looking  down  and  praying  for  us 
and  Prussia's  honor.  The  enemy,  however,  whom  I  am  afraid 
of  is,  in  our  own  flesh  and  blood ;  he  is  creeping  around  the 
headquarters  of  the  monarchs,  and  singing  peace-hymns,  and 
raising  a  hue-and-cry  about  the  greatness  of  Bonaparte,  repre- 
senting him  as  invincible,  and  ourselves  as  insignificant.  In 
that  way  are  all  our  arms  paralyzed !  Gneisenau,  should  they 
hesitate  to  act  in  an  energetic  manner,  and  fail  to  be  on  hand 
in  time,  it  would  be  dreadful,  and  I  believe  my  rage  would 
kill  me!" 

But  Blucher's  apprehensions  were  not  to  be  verified.  All 
the  corps  on  which  he  had  counted  in  drawing  up  his  plan  of 
operations  arrived  at  the  stated  hour,  and  precisely  at  noon 
appeared  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  the  King  of  Prussia,  and 
Prince  Schwartzenberg,  with  their  numerous  and  brilliant 
suites.  The  monarchs  surveyed  the  position  of  the  two  armies 
from  the  heights  of  Trannes,  and  had  Blucher  explain  his 
plan  to  them  in  his  brief  and  energetic  manner. 

The  Emperor  Alexander  then  turned  with  a  gentle  smile 
toward  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  commander-in-chief  of  the  al- 
lied forces.  "  And  what  do  you  think  of  this  plan  of  the  brave 
field-marshal?" 

"  It  is  as  well  conceived  as  it  is  bold,"  said  Schwartzenberg, 
"  and  I  beg  leave  to  intrust  the  command  of  the  whole  army 
to  Field-Marshal  Blucher.  I  renounce  the  privilege  of  direct- 
ing the  operations  of  to-day,  and  leave  every  thing  to  the 
discretion  of  the  field-marshal." 

Blucher's  eyes  sparkled  with  delight,  and  a  glow  suffused 
his  cheeks.  "Prince,"  he  exclaimed,  offering  his  hand  to 
Schwartzenberg,  "  this  is  an  honor  for  which  I  shall  always  be 
grateful  to  you.  You  have  a  generous  heart,  and  know  that 
I  must  take  revenge  for  the  disastrous  affair  of  Brienne.  I 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LA  ROTHIERE.        451 

thank  you,  prince,  for  giving  me  an  opportunity.  Now  I 
shall  prove  to  their  majesties  that  Bonaparte  is  not  invincible, 
or,  if  I  cannot  prove  it  to  them,  I  shall  die!  Hurrah!  Let 
us  begin!"  He  galloped  with  the  impatience  and  ardor  of  a 
youth  to  the  front  of  the  troops,  which  put  themselves  rapidly 
in  motion,  and  rushed  like  a  torrent  down  the  heights  of 
Trannes. 

Soon  the  artillery  commenced  to  boom,  and  transmitted 
Blucher's  battle-cry  to  Napoleon.  The  emperor,  who  had  in- 
tended to  retreat  with  his  small  army,  in  order  to  avoid  a 
fight,  now  halted  his  troops,  and  formed  them  into  line.  As 
the  allies  were  advancing  with  great  impetuosity,  a  further 
retreat  would  have  been  equivalent  to  flight.  Napoleon, 
therefore,  accepted  the  battle,  and  his  cannon  soon  responded. 
The  engagement  raged  with  murderous  energy;  the  balls 
hissed  in  every  direction ;  the  allies  rushed  forward  in  strong 
columns,  but  the  French  did  not  fall  back  before  them.  In 
the  midst  of  the  fearful  carnage  they  stood  like  heroes,  some- 
times repulsing  the  superior  enemy  with  sublime  valor;  and 
when  they  gave  way,  they  rallied  and  advanced  to  reconquer 
their  positions.  It  was  easy  to  see  that  it  was  Napoleon's 
presence  that  inspired  the  French  with  irresistible  courage. 
Hour  after  hour  vast  numbers  were  slain  on  both  sid.  s,  and 
while  the  earth  was  trembling  beneath  the  strife,  the  snow 
fell  to  such  a  depth  as  to  shroud  the  dead  from  view. 

The  contest  was  most  furious  in  and  around  the  village  of  La 
Eothiere.  The  French  held  it  with  the  utmost  obstinacy, 
and  vainly  did  Sacken's  corps,  which  had  been  repeatedly  re- 
pulsed, return  to  the  charge ;  the  French  stood  like  a  wall, 
and  their  cannon  hurled  death  into  the  ranks  of  their  ad- 
versaries. 

Blucher  witnessed  this  doubtful  struggle  for  some  time  with 
growing  impatience;  his  loud  "Forward!"  encouraged  the 
troops  to  charge,  but  their  assaults  were  in  vain.  "  Gneise- 
nau,"  he  cried,  "  we  must  take  the  village,  for  La  Eothiere  is 
the  key  of  the  position. — Halloo,  pipe-master!"  Hennemann 
was  by  his  master's  side.  "  There,"  said  Blucher,  taking  the 
pipe  from  his  mouth,  and  handing  it  to  Christian,  "take  .this 
pipe,  and  stay,  do  you  hear,  on  this  spot!  I  shall  soon  be 
back,  and  you  will  see  to  it  that  I  then  get  a  lighted  pipe.  I 
have  to  say  a  word  or  two  to  the  French." 

"You  may  depend  on  it,  field-marshal,  I  shall  stay  here," 
said  Christian,  gravely ;  "  you  will  find  me  and  the  pipe  here. " 


452  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"Very  well;  and  now  come,  Gneisenau,"  said  Blucher, 
galloping  to  the  head  of  the  assaulting  columns.  Turning 
his  face,  full  of  warlike  ardor,  toward  his  soldiers,  he  shouted: 
"  You  call  me  Marshal  Forward !  Now  I  will  show  you  what 
that  means!"  He  turned  his  horse,  and,  brandishing  his 
sword,  rushed  toward  the  village.  The  soldiers  followed  him 
with  deafening  cheers. 

Christian  Hennemann  looked  composedly  after  them,  and, 
putting  the  field-marshal's  pipe  into  his  mouth,  he  murmured, 
"  Well,  I  wonder  if  this  will  burn  until  the  field-marshal  re- 
turns, or  if  I  shall  have  to  light  another!"  At  this  moment 
a  bullet  whizzed  through  the  air,  carrying  away  the  pipe  from 
his  mouth,  and  slightly  wounding  him.  "Well,"  he  mur- 
mured, calmly,  "  the  first  one  is  gone,  and  a  piece  of  my  head 
to  boot!  Let  us  immediately  dress  the  wound,  and  then  light 
another  pipe;  for  if  he  should  return,  and  it  is  not  ready  for 
him — thunder  and  lightning!"  After  giving  vent  to  his 
feelings,  the  pipe-master  took  out  his  little  dressing-pouch, 
stanched  the  blood,  applied  a  plaster  to  the  wound,  and 
wrapped  a  linen  handkerchief  around  his  head.  "  Now  I  am 
all  right  again,  and  will  do  my  duty,"  said  Christian,  closing 
the  pouch,  and  opening  the  box,  which  was  fastened  to  the 
pommel  of  his  saddle. 

The  fight  was  still  raging.  Night  came,  accompanied  by 
a  violent  snow-storm,  so  as  to  render  the  muskets  useless.  As 
on  the  Katzbach,  Biucher's  soldiers  had  to  attack  the  enemy 
with  their  swords  and  bayonets.  At  length  the  allies  were 
successful;  the  French  were  overpowered  and  driven  back. 
The  soldiers,  headed  by  Blucher,  rushed  exultingly  into  the 
village  of  La  Rothiere.  "Forward!"  shouted  the  field-mar- 
shal. "Forward!"  repeated  the  soldiers.  They  halted  in  the 
middle  of  the  village.  The  French  still  occupied  the  houses 
on  both  sides  of  the  principal  street,  and,  converting  every 
building  into  a  fortress,  they  fought  like  lions  against  the  im- 
petuous enemy.  Blucher  was  in  the  midst  of  the  flying  bul- 
lets, but  he  did  not  notice  them.  The  position  had  to  be 
taken,  and  he  knew  that  his  presence  inspired  his  soldiers  to 
heroic  efforts.  The  village  was  soon  on  fire,  for  the  wind 
carried  the  flames  from  house  to  house,  and  the  snowy  plain  re- 
flected the  red  glare  far  and  wide.  The  French  rushed  from  the 
houses  in  hurried  flight,  hotly  pursued  by  Biucher's  soldiers. 
Thu  battle  was  gained!  The  enemy  evacuated  La  Eothiere, 
and  retreated  in  disorder  to  Brienne  and  across  the  Aube. 


THE  BATTLE  OF  LA  ROTHIERE.        453 

Blucher  could  now  return  to  his  headquarters  and  inform 
the  monarchs  of  a  victory.  He  rode  back,  thoughtfully;  and 
Gneisenau,  who  was  by  his  side,  was  also  grave  and  silent. 

"  Gneisenau,"  he  exclaimed,  "  I  believe  we  have  done  very 
well  to-day!" 

"  Your  excellency  must  not  say  we,  but  /  have  done  very 
well  to-day,"  said  Gneisenau,  smiling.  "You  alone  conceived 
the  plan  of  battle,  and  directed  it; — for  La  Rothiere  was  the 
key  of  the  whole  position,  and  it  was  Marshal  Forward  who 
took  it.  This  time  your  deeds  must  give  the  name  to  the 
battle,  and  it  must  be  called  'the  battle  of  La  Rothiere.'  " 

"  Well,  I  do  not  care,"  said  Blucher.  "  We  have  gained  to- 
day, then,  the  battle  of  La  Rothiere,  and,  what  is  still  better, 
we  have  shown  the  French  in  their  own  country  that  Napo- 
leon's invincibility  is  a  myth,  and  that  he  can  be  beaten  as 
well  as  any  other  general. — But  what  is  that?  See  there, 
Gneisenau!  what  sentinel  is  posted  on  the  road  yonder?" 

In  fact,  a  dark  form  on  horseback  halted  by  the  roadside; 
the  flames  of  the  burning  village  rose  higher,  and  shed  a  light 
on  the  stranger.  It  was  a  man  dressed  in  the  uniform  of  a 
hussar;  a  white,  blood-stained  handkerchief  was  wrapped 
around  his  head  and  half  his  face ;  his  right  arm  was  also 
bandaged,  and  in  his  mouth  was  a  clay  pipe. 

"It  is  the  pipe-master!"  cried  Blucher,  quickly  galloping 
up. 

"  Yes,  it  is  I — who  should  it  be?"  grumbled  Christian. 

"But,  Christian,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  "how  in  Heaven's 
name  do  you  look!  And  what  are  you  doing  here?" 

"  I  am  waiting  for  Field-Marshal  Blucher.  Did  you  not 
tell  me  that  I  was  to  wait  for  you  here,  and  keep  the  pipe  in 
order?  Well,  I  did  wait  for  you,  field-marshal.  And  you 
ask,  too,  how  I  look?  Just  like  one  around  whom  the  blue 
beans  have  been  whizzing  for  hours  past,  and  whose  head  and 
arm  have  been  scratched  a  great  deal.  You  kept  me  waiting 
a  long  time,  field-marshal — more  than  four  hours!  The 
French  have  shot  pipe  after  pipe  from  my  mouth,  and  this  is 
the  last  I  have.  If  you  had  not  come  soon,  it  would  have  been 
smashed,  too." 

"No,"  said  Blucher,  smiling,  "the  French  will  not  break 
another  pipe  of  mine  to-day,  Christian,  for  they  have  taken 
to  their  heels.  It  is  true,  however,  I  have  kept  you  waiting 
a  long  time.  But  that  was  the  fault  of  the  French;  they 
resisted  with  the  greatest  obstinacy.  For  the  rest,  Christian, 


454  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

you  had  a  pipe  of  tobacco  at  least  during  the  whole  time  that 
you  were  waiting,  and  did  not  fare  so  badly  after  all;  as  for 
your  wounds,  I  shall  have  them  well  attended  to,  my  boy.  You 
have  behaved  as  a  brave  man,  and  stood  fire  as  a  genuine  sol- 
dier ought  to  do.  When  we  get  home  I  will  relate  it  to  your 
old  father,  and  he  will  rejoice  over  it.  Now,  give  me  the 
pipe ;  it  will  be  the  last  that  you  will  fill  for  me  for  some  time 
to  come,  for  you  are  disabled ;  your  right  arm  is  shattered, 
and  you  must  be  cured." 

"Well,"  exclaimed  Christian,  "with  my  left  hand  lean 
fill  your  pipes.  I  am  and  must  be  Field-Marshal  Blucher's 
pipe-master,  and,  if  they  do  not  shoot  off  my  head,  I  will 
not  give  up  my  position!" 

On  the  following  day  Blucher  received  at  the  castle  of 
Brienne  the  congratulations  and  thanks  of  the  allied  monarchs. 
The  Emperor  Alexander  embraced  him,  and  his  eyes  were 
filled  with  tears  of  joyful  emotion.  "Field-marshal,"  he 
said,  "  you  have  crowned  all  your  former  efforts  by  this  glo- 
rious triumph.  I  do  not  know  how  we  are  to  reward  you  for 
this.  But  I  know  we  must  admire  and  love  you." 

King  Frederick  William  shook  hands  with  Blucher,  and  a 
smile  illuminated  his  features.  "Blucher,"  he  said,  mildly, 
"you  have  kept  your  word;  you  have  fulfilled  all  that  you 
promised  us  at  Frankfort,  when  I  informed  you  of  your 
appointment  to  the  command-in-chief.  To-day  you  have 
blotted  out  the  disgrace  of  Jena.  Have  you  any  wish  which 
I  am  able  to  fulfil?  Pray  let  me  know  it,  for  I  should  like  to 
prove  to  you  my  gratitude  and  love. " 

"  I  have  a  wish,  and  before  it  is  gratified,  I  shall  neither 
sleep  well  by  night  nor  be  calm  by  day.  Now  your  majesties 
are  quite  able  to  grant  this  wish  of  mine,  and  therefore  I 
urgently  pray  both  of  you  to  do  so." 

"  Tell  us  what  it  is !"  exclaimed  the  emperor ;  "  I  am  anxious 
to  grant  it  as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  for  an  heroic  head  like 
yours  must  not  lie  uneasy  at  night,  and  a  childlike  heart  like 
yours  must  be  content.  Speak,  then!" 

"Ah,  sire,"  said  the  king,  smiling,  and  fixing  a  searching 
look  on  Blucher's  bold  face,  "sire,  beware  of  promising,  for 
then  he  will  leave  us  no  rest;  he  will  not  even  let  us  sleep  at 
night  until  he  has  driven  us  to  Paris. — That  is  your  wish, 
Blucher,  is  it  not?" 

"It  is!"  exclaimed  Blucher,  ardently.  "That  is  my  wish; 
and,  as  your  majesty  has  called  upon  me  to  tell  you  something 


THE  DISEASED  EYES.  455 

that  you  could  grant,  and  as  his  majesty  the  emperor  tells  me, 
too,  that  he  would  like  to  gratify  me — I  say,  let  us  now  set 
out  by  forced  marches  for  Paris.  Let  us  advance  with  all  our 
armies  on  the  capital,  for  then  the  war  will  soon  be  over.  I 
implore  your  majesties,  let  us  proceed  quickly.  Let  us  give 
Bonaparte  no  time  for  heading  us  off;  but  let  us  outstrip  him 
moving  on  Paris,  and,  if  need  be,  take  the  city  by  storm. 
When  Paris  falls  all  France  is  ours,  and  the  war  is  over!" 

"  Well,  what  says  your  majesty?"  asked  Alexander,  turning 
toward  the  king.  "  Shall  we  comply  with  the  wish  of  our 
young  madcap?" 

"  Sire,  as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  I  have  pledged  him  my 
word,"  said  Frederick  William;  "hence,  I  must  keep  it." 

"And  I  assent  with  the  greatest  pleasure,  sire,"  exclaimed 
Alexander ;  "  let  us  march  on  Paris,  then ;  but  we  should  agree 
as  to  the  best  way  of  doing  so." 

"  Well,  we  have  invited  our  generals  to  hold  a  council  of 
war,  and  I  believe  they  are  waiting  for  us  now,"  said  the 
king.  "Come,  therefore,  sire;  and  you,  Blucher,  pray  ac- 
company us.  One  thing  is  settled :  we  shall  march  on  Paris 
in  accordance  with  your  wish — only  we  have  to  select  the 
routes  which  the  various  columns  of  the  army  are  to  take,  for 
they  are  too  large  to  move  by  the  same  road ;  they  could  not 
find  the  necessary  supplies  in  the  same  section  of  country. 
We  must  divide  them,  and  that  is  the  question  which  we  shall 
now  discuss  with  our  generals." 

"I  do  not  care  about  that,"  replied  Blucher,  merrily;  "if 
the  chief  point  is  settled,  all  the  rest  is  indifferent  to  me;  I 
shall  obey  the  orders  of  my  king,  and  be  content  with  the 
route  selected  for  me  and  my  corps.  The  point  is — we  must 
profit  by  our  victory  and  outstrip  Bonaparte !  We  must  take 
Paris!"  

CHAPTER    XLVHI. 

THE   DISEASED    EYES. 

UPWAKD  of  a  month  had  elapsed  since  the  victory  of  La 
Rothiere,  and  Blucher's  ardent  wish  had  not  yet  been  fulfilled ; 
the  allies  were  not  in  Paris.  The  system  of  procrastination 
had  again  obtained  the  upper  hand  at  the  headquarters  of  the 
allies.  Austria  hesitated  to  use  her  power  in  a  decisive  man- 
ner aga,ifist  Napoleon^  the  emperor's  son-in-law;  the  crow$ 


456  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

prince  of  Sweden  wished  to  spare  France,  and  was  still  in 
hope  that  the  congress,  which  had  been  in  session  at  Chatillon 
since  the  4th  of  February,  would  conclude  a  treaty  of  peace. 
Among  the  very  attendants  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia  and  the 
King  of  Prussia  this  peace  party  had  its  active  supporters, 
who  opposed  an  energetic  policy,  and  wished  the  congress  of 
Chatillon,  and  not  the  army,  to  put  an  end  to  the  war. 

Blucher  once  had  dared  openly  to  oppose  these  "peace 
apostles,"  and  disregarded  the  instructions  received  from  the 
allied  monarchs  to  move  farther  back  from  Paris,  and,  instead 
of  crossing  the  Seine,  retreat  with  his  army  to  Chaumont  and 
Langres.  This  order  filled  the  field-marshal  with  anger,  and 
his  generals  and  staff-officers  shared  it.  Great  as  he  was  in 
all  his  actions,  Blucher  took  the  bold  resolution  to  pay  no  at- 
tention to  the  retrograde  movements  of  Schwartzenberg  and 
the  crown  prince  of  Sweden,  but  to  continue  his  march,  even 
at  the  risk  of  appearing  in  front  of  Paris  without  support. 

But  it  was  not  as  a  rebel  that  he  had  wished  to  take  so  dar- 
ing a  step ;  on  the  contrary,  before  moving,  he  wrote  to  King 
Frederick  William,  and  implored  him  to  fulfil  his  wish,  and 
allow  him  to  advance.  He  did  not  wait,  however,  for  the 
king's  answer,  but,  though  he  knew  that  the  commander-in- 
chief,  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  had  already  commenced  retreat- 
ing, continued  to  march  with  his  Silesian  army  alone  upon 
the  capital  of  France. 

The  monarchs  themselves  were  of  Blucher's  opinion,  and 
gave  him  full  power,  having  his  army  reenforced  by  the  corps 
of  Bulow  and  Winzingerode.  With  his  forces  thus  increased 
to  twice  their  original  strength,  he  was  able  to  confront  Napo- 
leon, and  attack  Paris  even  without  Schwartzenberg's  assist- 
ance. But  the  fortune  of  war  is  fickle,  and  he  did  not  con- 
tinue his  march  without  experiencing  this.  On  the  7th  of 
March  he  fought  a  bloody  battle  with  Napoleon  and  his  mar- 
shals between  Soissons  and  Craonne,  and,  to  his  profound  re- 
gret, was  defeated,  and  forced  to  retreat. 

He  took  revenge  at  Laon,  where  he  and  his  brave  Silesian 
army  gained  a  victory  on  the  9th  of  March.  This  was  fol- 
lowed by  still  another.  He  at  length  silenced  the  "  trubsdls- 
spritzen  "  and  "  peace  apostles,"  who  had  up  to  this  time  raised 
their  influential  voices  at  headquarters.  All  felt  that  a  re- 
treat, after  this  great  victory,  was  entirely  out  of  the  question, 
and  even  Schwartzenberg  and  Bernadotte  joined  in  Blucher's 
"Forward!"  and  marched  their  armies  to  Paris. 


THE  DISEASED  EYES.  457 

But  the  brave  field-marshal  himself  was  at  this  time  unable 
to  join  in  the  movement.  Since  the  battle  of  Laon  he  had 
been  affected  with  a  violent  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  aggra- 
vated by  a  fever.  Confined  to  his  dark  room,  he  was  obliged 
to  remain  ten  days  at  Laon,  suffering  not  only  physical  but 
mental  pain.  For  how  could  he  redeem  his  pledge — how 
achieve  a  final  victory  over  Napoleon — if,  half-blind  and 
doomed  to  the  captivity  of  a  sick-room,  he  could  not  march 
with  his  troops,  and  lead  them  in  person  into  battle?  Regard- 
less of  the  warnings  of  his  physicians,  he  tried  to  brave  his 
sufferings,  and,  putting  himself  at  the  head  of  his  troops, 
again  advanced  with  them.  Finally,  on  the  24th  of  March, 
by  way  of  Rheims,  he  arrived  at  Chalons.  But  the  inflamma- 
tion of  his  eyes  had  grown  worse  on  the  road,  and  gave  him 
intolerable  pain;  the  fever  sent  his  blood  like  fire  through 
his  veins,  and  what  neither  age,  nor  defeat,  nor  disappointed 
hope,  had  been  able  to  accomplish,  was  accomplished  by  sick- 
ness. He  grew  faint-hearted — his  disease  destroyed  his  en- 
thusiasm. Longing  for  tranquillity,  he  remembered  how 
beautiful  and  peaceful  his  dear  Kunzendorf  was,  how  kind 
and  mild  the  sweet  face  of  his  Amelia,  and  with  what  soft 
hands  she  would  wash  his  inflamed  eyes,  and  apply  the  rem- 
edies. 

During  the  last  march  from  Rheims  to  Chalons  he  con- 
stantly thought  of  this.  At  length  he  made  up  his  mind,  and 
no  sooner  had  he  arrived  at  Chalons  than  he  sent  for  Henne- 
mann,  and  locked  himself  in  his  room  with  him. 

"Christian,"  said  Blucher,  in  a  subdued  voice,  "I  am  go- 
ing to  see  whether  you  are  really  a  faithful  fellow,  and 
whether  I  may  confide  something  to  you." 

"Very  well,  field-marshal,  put  me  to  the  test.  ' 

"Not  so  loud!"  cried  Blucher,  anxiously.  "Let  us  first 
discover  whether  any  one  can  hear  us  here."  He  opened  the 
door,  and  looked  into  the  antechamber.  No  one  was  there. 
He  then  examined  the  dark  alcove  adjoining  the  sitting-room, 
which  was  empty,  too.  "  We  are  alone ;  no  one  can  overhear 
us,"  said  Blucher,  returning  from  his  reconnoissance  to  the 
sitting-room.  "Now,  pipe-master,  listen  to  me.  First, 
however,  look  at  my  eyes,  do  you  hear;  look  closely  at  them. 
Well,  how  do  they  look?" 

"Very  sore,"  said  Christian,  mournfully. 

"And  they  have  not  grown  better,  though  Voelzke,  the 
surgeon -general  has  been  doctoring  them  every  day;  and,  by 
30 


458  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

his  salves,  mixtures,  leeches,  and  blisters,  causing  me  almost 
as  much  pain  as  the  eyes  themselves.  Nay,  they  grow  rather 
worse  from  day  to  day,  and  if  I  remain  here  longer,  and  allow 
the  physicians  to  torment  me,  I  shall  finally  lose  my  eyesight 
altogether,  and  when  I  am  blind,  I  shall  be  of  no  account — 
unable  to  use  my  sword  and  fight  Bonaparte.  I  am  afraid 
the  good  God  will  not  permit  me  to  pull  down  Bonaparte  from 
his  throne.  He  knows  I  should  then  be  too  happy,  and  there- 
fore says,  'Gotthold  Leberecht  Blucher,  I  have  permitted  thee 
to  bring  Bonaparte  to  the  brink  of  ruin ;  now  thine  armies  are 
close  to  Paris,  and  will,  without  thee,  get  into  the  city.  Go, 
therefore,  old  boy,  and  have  thine  eyes  cured!'  Well,  I  will 
comply  with  God's  will,  and  go  to  some  place  and  have  my- 
self healed,  where  they  know  better  how  to  do  it  than  our 
doctors  here.  I  have  been  told  that  there  are  excellent  ocu- 
lists at  Brussels,  and  Brussels  is  not  very  far  from  here.  I 
will,  therefore,  go  there." 

"The  field-marshal  intends  to  retreat,  then?"  said  Chris- 
tian, laconically. 

"Ketreat!"  cried  Blucher,  angrily.  "Who  takes  the  lib- 
erty of  saying  that  Field-Marshal  Blucher  intends  to  re- 
treat?" 

"  I  take  that  liberty, "  said  Christian.  "  The  field-marshal 
intends  to  retreat  from  the  inflammation  of  his  eyes." 

"  Why,  yes;  that  is  an  enemy  from  which  it  is  no  disgrace 
to  retreat." 

"A  retreat  is  always  a  retreat,"  said  Christian,  with  a 
shrug,  "  and  if  you  carry  out  your  intention  you  will  no  longer 
be  called  Marshal  Forward!" 

"I  do  not  care  to  be  called  so  now!"  exclaimed  Blucher. 
"  The  inflammation  of  my  eyes  has  made  me  desperate ;  I  shall 
lose  my  sight  if  I  stay  here,  and  then  they  will  lead  me  by 
the  nose  like  a  blind  bear.  There  is  no  use  in  talking  any 
more  about  it ;  I  will  and  must  go.  If  you  do  not  wish  to  ac- 
company me  say  so,  and  you  may  stay  here." 

"If  you  go,  then  I  will  too,"  said  Christian,  with  his  usual 
calmness,  "  for  where  the  field-marshal  is  the  pipe-master  must 
be ;  that  is  a  matter  of  course.  I  have  pledged  my  word  to 
my  father,  to  Madame  von  Blucher,  and  to  the  good  God, 
that  I  would  never  leave  my  general,  and  it  makes  no  differ- 
ence if  he  is  field-marshal  now.  If  they  do  not  shoot  me,  I 
ghall  stay  with  my  field-marshal. " 

"Christian,"  gaid  Blucher,  offering  him  his  hand,  "you are 


THE  DISEASED  EYES.  459 

a  dear  boy ;  your  heart  is  in  the  right  place,  and  it  is  always 
the  best  thing  in  a  man.  When  we  get  back  to  Kunzendorf 
you  shall  lead  a  very  pleasant  life,  for  I  can  never  forget 
what  a  faithful  and  excellent  young  fellow  you  have  been. 
Then  you  will  go  with  me?" 

"  Yes,  to  the  end  of  the  world,  general !" 

"  Well,  we  shall  not  go  so  far  as  that — only  to  Brussels, 
where  there  are  good  oculists ;  and  when  they  have  cured  me, 
I  will  see  whether  they  still  need  me  here,  and  whether  every 
thing  has  then  been  done  to  my  liking." 

"  Oh,  I  believe  it  will  be  then  as  it  is  now,"  said  Christian, 
in  a  contemptuous  tone.  "When  Marshal  Forward  is  no 
longer  here,  things  will  go  backward,  that  is  sure.  But  we 
need  not  care,  for  we  shall  go  forward  to  Brussels." 

"Yes,  to  Brussels,"  said  Blucher;  "we  set  out  to-night; 
but  no  one  must  know  it;  I  will  leave  as  quietly  as  possible. 
I  cannot  stand  bidding  them  all  farewell,  and  listening  to 
their  fine  speeches;  I  will  leave,  therefore,  so  that  no  one  shall 
discover  it  before  I  am  gone." 

"A  secret  flight!"  said  Christian,  laconically. 

"Secret  flight?  how  stupid!"  grumbled  Blucher.  "It  is 
strange  what  ridiculous  words  the  boy  uses!  How  a  flight? 
I  believe  I  am  no  prisoner." 

"  No,  but  you  are  field-marshal." 

Blucher's  red  eyes  cast  an  angry  glance  on  the  bold  pipe- 
master.  "You  talk  as  you  understand  it,"  he  cried;  "when 
I  am  a  poor  blind  fellow,  swallowing  powders  and  using  salves 
all  day  I  am  no  longer  a  field-marshal  and  had  better  resign, 
not  waiting  to  be  deposed  by  a  few  polite  phrases.  That  is 
the  reason  why  I  am  going  to  leave." 

"And  I  leave,  too,"  said  Christian;  "but  as  the  field-mar- 
shal does  not  wish  me  to  say  any  thing  about  it,  of  course  I 
shall  not.  But  how  are  we  to  get  away,  if  no  one  is  to  be  in- 
formed?" 

"  Well,  listen!  I  will  tell  you.  I  have  already  devised  the 
whole  plan  of  operations,  and — but,  hark!  something  seems 
moving  in  the  alcove,  as  if  a  door  opened." 

"There  is  no  door  in  the  alcove,"  said  Christian;  "it  was, 
perhaps,  a  mouse,  and  it  tells  no  tales.  Inform  me,  field- 
marshal,  what  I  have  to  do." 

"  Well,  listen,  Christian !"  And  the  field-marshal  began  to 
explain  to  him,  in  his  vivacious  manner,  the  whole  plan  of 
his  departure.  Christian  comprehended  it,  and  entered  very 


460  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

seriously  into  the  duties  of  quartermaster-general  to  his  field- 
marshal. 

"  Do  you  remember  it  all  now?"  asked  Blucher,  at  the  con- 
clusion of  their  conference.  "  Do  you  know  all  that  you  have 
to  do?" 

"  1  know  all,"  said  Christian.  "  In  the  first  place,  I  am  to 
go  to  General  Gneisenau  and  inform  him  that  the  field-mar- 
shal is  sick  and  confined  to  his  bed  to-day,  and  refuses  to  see 
any  one.  General  Gneisenau  will  mention  it,  of  course,  to 
Surgeon-General  Dr.  Voelzke,  who  will  come  to  see  the  field- 
marshal.  I  am  to  tell  him  that  he  is  in  so  much  pain  from 
his  inflamed  eyes  that  he  had  ordered  me  to  admit  no  one — 
that  he  is  trying  to  sleep.  Then  I  am  to  come  back  to  you, 
and  your  excellency  will  give  me  the  farewell  letters  to  Gen- 
eral Gneisenau,  whereupon  I  am  to  pack  up  your  things  and 
lock  the  bags.  When  it  grows  dark,  I  am  to  carry  them 
secretly  into  our  carriage.  Then  it  will  suddenly  occur  to 
your  excellency  to  take  an  airing,  the  sun  having  set,  and 
therefore  unable  to  hurt  your  eyes.  I  am  to  accompany  you, 
and  we  shall  not  come  back." 

"No,  we  shall  not  come  back,"  said  Blucher,  thought- 
fully. "  Well,  every  thing  is  settled  now ;  run,  and  attend  to 
what  I  told  you.  We  shall  set  out  at  seven  o'clock  to-night." 

Christian  hastened  away.  Blucher  looked  after  him  with  a 
mournful  glance  and  a  deep  sigh.  "The  die  is  cast,"  he 
murmured  to  himself;  "  now  I  am  indeed  a  poor  old  invalid, 
no  longer  of  any  use.  God  has  refused  to  fulfil  my  dearest 
wish ;  He  would  not  let  me  hurl  Bonaparte  from  his  stolen 
throne.  I  must  face  about  at  the  gates  of  Paris,  and  creep 
back  into  obscurity.  Well,  let  God's  will  be  done!  I  have 
labored  as  long  as  there  was  daylight ;  now  comes  the  night, 
when  I  can  work  no  more.  Ah,  my  poor  sore  eyes!  I — but 
there  is,  after  all,  some  one  in  the  alcove,"  cried  Blucher, 
springing  to  his  feet.  Again  he  heard  a  noise  as  of  footsteps, 
and  an  opening  door.  He  bounded  into  the  alcove,  but  all 
was  still ;  no  one  was  there,  and  no  door  to  be  seen.  "  I  was 
mistaken,"  he  said.  "  A  bad  conscience  is  a  very  queer  thing. 
Because  I  am  about  to  do  something  secret,  I  am  thinking 
that  eavesdroppers  are  watching  me  and  trying  to  forestall 
me." 

It  was  seven  in  the  evening ;  the  sun  had  set.  Field-Mar- 
shal Blucher,  who  was  very  sick  all  day,  now  intended  to  take 
an  airing.  The  pipe-master  had,  therefore,  ordered  the 


THE  DISEASED  EYES.  461 

coachman;  and  the  field-marshal's  carriage,  drawn  by  four 
black  horses,  had  just  come  to  the  door.  Blucher  was  still  in 
his  room,  but  all  his  preparations  were  completed.  On  the 
table  lay  two  letters — one  addressed  to  the  king,  the  other  to 
General  Gneisenau ;  the  carpet-bags  had  already  been  conveyed 
into  the  carriage,  together  with  his  pipe-box.  The  invalid 
had  only  to  wrap  himself  in  his  military  cloak,  leave  the  room, 
and  enter  the  carriage ;  but  he  still  hesitated.  An  anxiety, 
such  as  he  had  never  known  before,  had  crept  over  him;  and, 
what  had  never  before  happened  to  him,  his  heart  beat  with 
fear.  "That  was  just  wanting  to  me,"  he  murmured.  "I 
have  become  a  white-livered  coward,  whose  legs  are  trembling, 
and  whose  heart  is  throbbing!  What  am  I  afraid  of,  then? 
Is  that  wrong  which  I  am  about  to  do?  My  heart  has  never 
acted  thus  even  in  the  storm  of  battle.  What  does  it  mean  ? 
Bah !  it  is  folly ;  no  attention  should  be  paid  to  it.  I  hope, 
however,  that  no  one  will  meet  me  when  I  go  down-stairs, 
or  at  the  carriage  when  I  enter  it.  Let  me  see  if  there  is 
any  one  in  the  street."  He  quickly  stepped  to  the  window 
and  looked  out ;  there  was  no  one  in  the  street,  or  near  his 
carriage.  "I  will  go  now,"  said  Blucher,  turning  again 
toward  the  room.  "  I — "  He  paused,  and  a  blush  suffused 
his  cheeks.  There,  in  the  middle  of  the  room,  stood  General 
Gneisenau,  and  gazed  at  him  with  a  strange,  mournful  air. 
"  Gneisenau,  is  it  you?"  asked  Blucher,  in  a  faltering  voice. 
"  How  did  you  get  in?" 

"Simply  by  the  door,  your  excellency,"  said  Gneisenau, 
smiling.  "  Your  pipe-master  kept  the  door  closed  all  day, 
and  turned  me  away  by  informing  me  the  field-marshal  had 
ordered  him  to  admit  no  one,  because  he  wished  to  sleep;  but 
my  desire  to  see  you  brought  me  back  again  and  again,  and 
so  I  have  come,  fortunately  at  the  opportune  hour,  when  the 
Cerberus  is  no  longer  at  the  door,  but  is  standing  below  at  the 
carriage,  waiting  for  the  field-marshal,  who  intends  to  take  an 
airing." 

"  Yes,  I  do,"  said  Blucher,  casting  an  anxious  glance  on 
the  two  letters  lying  on  the  table.  "  I  do  intend  to  take  an 
airing;  good-by,  then,  Gneisenau!"  He  turned  toward  the 
door,  but  Gneisenau  kept  him  back.  "  Your  excellency  must 
not  ride  out  to-night,"  he  said;  "  I  implore  you  not  to  do  so. 
There  is  a  cold  wind,  and  you  must  not  expose  your  inflamed 
eyes  to  it.  You  are  not  careful  enough  of  your  health;  Sur- 
gean-General  Voelzke  complains  of  the  little  attention  you  pay 


462  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

to  his  prescriptions,  and  that  your  eyes,  instead  of  getting 
better,  are  growing  worse  and  worse." 

"Yes,  that  is  true,"  grumbled  Blucher,  "they  are  burning 
like  fire.  I  will  go  out,  therefore;  the  night-wind  will  cool 
them." 

He  turned  again  toward  the  door,  but  at  this  moment  it 
was  thrust  open,  and  Surgeon-General  Voelzke  entered  the 
room.  "  I  am  told  your  excellency  intends  to  take  an  airing," 
said  the  physician,  almost  indignantly.  "  But  I  declare  that 
I  cannot  permit  it.  You  have  intrusted  yourself  to  my  treat- 
ment; I  am  responsible  to  God,  to  the  king,  to  the  whole 
world — nay,  to  history,  if  I  allow  you  to  rush  so  recklessly  to 
destruction;  I  will  not  suffer  it;  your  excellency  must  not 
ride  out!" 

"  I  should  like  to  see  who  is  to  prevent  me !"  cried  Blucher, 
striding  toward  the  door. 

"The  physician  will  prevent  you,"  said  Voelzke,  standing 
in  the  doorway  with  his  large,  tall  form.  "The  physician 
has  the  right  of  giving  orders  to  kings  and  emperors,  and 
Marshal  Forward  has  to  submit  to  his  commands,  too." 

"  I  do  not  think  of  it,"  said  Blucher;  "  I  do  not  permit  any 
one  to  give  me  orders." 

"Not  even  your  disease — your  inflamed  eyes?"  asked 
Voelzke,  solemnly.  "  Did  you  not  obey  when  your  fever  and 
inflamed  eyes  commanded  you  to  remain  idle  at  Laon  for  ten 
days,  although  you  were  in  a  towering  passion,  and  were  bent 
on  advancing  with  the  army?  Well,  your  excellency,  I  tell 
you,  if  you  do  not  now  obey  me.  and  consent  to  desist  fron 
taking  an  airing — if  you  are  determined  to  ride  out  in  the 
cold  night-air,  one  more  powerful  than  I  am  will  compel  you 
to  obey ;  and  that  one  is  your  disease.  You  may  ride  out  to- 
day, but  to-morrow  it  will  command  you  to  keep  your  bed , 
the  inflammation  of  your  eyes  will  make  you  a  prisoner,  and 
you  will  be  unable  to  flee  from  it,  notwithstanding  your  im- 
perious will,  or  your  four-horsed  carriage." 

"Well,  well,"  said  Blucher,  "you  put  on  such  solemn  airs 
as  almost  to  frighten  me.  It  is  true,  my  disease  is  very  pow- 
erful, and  this  soreness  of  my  eyes  has  already  rendered  me 
so  desperate  that — " 

"That  your  excellency  has  written  letters,"  interposed 
Gneisenau,  pointing  to  the  table.  "But,  what  do  I  see? 
There  is  one  addressed  to  me!" 

"No,  give  it  to  me,"  cried  Blucher,  embarrassed;  "now 


THE  DISEASED  EYES.  463 

that  you  are  here,  I  can  tell  you  every  thing  verbally,  and  it 
is  unnecessary  for  you  to  read  what  I  have  written." 

He  was  about  to  seize  the  letter,  but  Gneisenau  drew  back 
a  step,  and,  bowing  deeply  said,  "  Your  excellency  has  done 
me  the  honor  of  writing  to  me.  Permit  me,  therefore,  to 
read."  He  stepped  quickly  into  the  window-niche,  and 
opened  the  letter. 

"Well,  stand  back  there,  doctor,"  cried  Blucher,  "let  me 
out!  Do  not  make  me  angry;  leave  the  door!" 

'  I  do  not  care  if  you  are  angry,  your  excellency,"  said  the 
surgeon-general,  folding  his  arms,  "  but  in  order  to  get  me 
out  of  this  doorway  you  will  have  to  kill  me." 

At  this  moment,  Gneisenau  uttered  a  cry  of  terror,  and 
hastened  toward  Blucher.  "What!  your  excellency,"  he 
exclaimed,  "you  intend  to  leave  us?  To  set  out  secretly?" 

"What  do  you  say?"  thundered  the  physician.  "What 
did  my  patient  intend  to  do?" 

"  He  intends  to  forsake  us — his  army  that  worships  him, 
his  friends  who  idolize  him,  his  king  who  hopes  in  him — he 
intends  to  leave  us  all!"  said  Gneisenau,  mournfully.  "It  is 
written  here,  doctor;  I  may  mention  it  to  you,  for  you  are 
one  of  our  most  devoted  friends." 

"  And  he  intends  also  to  leave  his  physician ;  he  will  go, 
and  get  blind!"  exclaimed  Voelzke,  reproachfully. 

"  Well,  it  is  precisely  because  I  do  not  wish  to  get  blind 
that  I  must  move  from  here,"  said  Blucher,  who  had  now  re- 
covered his  firmness,  and  felt  relieved,  since  his  secret  had 
been  disclosed.  "  What  am  I,  a  poor  blind  old  man,  to  do 
longer  in  the  field?  I  am  fit  for  nothing.  In  the  end  I  shall 
perhaps  fare  like  old  Kutusoff,  whom  they  dragged  along  with 
the  army.  Thus  would  they  drag  me  when  I  am  no  longer 
myself."  * 

"But,"  said  the  physician,  "your  excellency  is  not  blind; 
you  will  be  well  in  two  weeks  if  you  only  resolve  to  comply 
with  my  prescriptions,  use  the  remedies  I  give  you,  and  punc- 
tually obey  my  instructions.  You  intend  to  go  to  Brussels, 
where  you  will  certainly  find  celebrated  physicians ;  but  the} 
do  not  know  you ;  they  will  only  doctor  your  eyes,  not  suspect- 
ing that  the  seat  of  your  disease  is  in  your  nerves,  and  that 
your  eyes  are  unhealthy  because  your  mind  is  suffering.  And 
it  will  suffer  still  more  when  you  have  deserted  your  army,  your 
friends — nay,  I  may  say,  your  duty.  The  strange  surround- 

*  Blucher's  words.— Vide  Varnhagen,  "Prince  Blucher  of  Wahlstatt,"  p.  373. 


464  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

ings,  the  want  of  care,  the  unknown  physicians,  your  anxiety 
at  being  ignorant  of  what  the  army  is  doing — all  this  will 
torture  your  soul,  and  aggravate  the  disease  of  your  eyes." 

"It  is  true,  I  shall  be  very  lonely  in  a  foreign  city,"  said 
Blucher,  thoughtfully;  "but  it  is,  after  all,  better  than  to 
stay  here  as  a  useless,  blind  old  man.  I  can  never  again  com- 
mand an  army  or  direct  a  battle." 

"  If  you  cannot  command  an  army  in  person,  you  can  by 
your  words,"  exclaimed  Gneisenau ;  "  and  if  you  cannot  direct 
the  battle  with  your  arms,  you  can  do  so  with  your  spirit ;  for 
that  fires  our  hearts  as  long  as  you  are  with  us,  and  bids  de- 
fiance to  the  adversaries  and  hesitating  diplomatists.  If  your 
person  leaves  us,  your  spirit  does  also,  and  with  Marshal  For- 
ward we  lose  all  prospect  of  marching  forward.  Consider  this, 
your  excellency ;  consider  that  you  endanger  not  only  the  wel- 
fare of  your  army,  but  the  success  of  the  war;  for  when  you 
are  not  present,  all  will  go  wrong." 

"Well,  you  will  be  here,  Gneisenau,"  said  Blucher;  "yon 
are  half  myself;  you  know  my  thoughts  just  as  well  as  I  do — 
nay,  you  often  know  them  much  better!  You  will,  therefore, 
carry  on  all  just  as  though  I  were  still  here." 

"But  shall  I  have  the  power  to  do  so?"  asked  Gneisenau. 
"  Your  excellency  did  not  take  into  the  account  that  when 
you  leave  the  army,  and  give  up  your  position  as  commander- 
in-chief,  another  general  must  be  appointed  in  your  stead. 
Who  will  receive  this  nomination?  The  senior  general  is 
Langeron,  and  do  you  consider  him  qualified  to  replace  you?" 

"  Well,  that  would  be  a  pretty  thing,  if  Tie  should  become 
commander-in-chief !"  cried  Blucher.  "The  confusion  and 
wrangling  that  would  ensue  would  baffle  description;  for 
York  and  Bulow  would  be  even  more  disobedient  to  him  than 
they  are  to  me." 

"  But  he  would  have  to  take  command  of  the  army  until 
orders  from  headquarters  arrived  appointing  another  general- 
in-chief .  We  might  have  to  wait  a  long  time ;  for  we  are  dis- 
tant from  the  allied  monarchs  now,  and  they,  moreover, 
will  not  hasten  to  make  that  appointment.  Until  this  is 
done,  Langeron  will  command  the  army,  and  thereby  I,  the 
quartermaster-general,  as  well  as  Colonels  Muffling  and  Grol- 
man,  will  be  completely  paralyzed  in  the  discharge  of  our 
duties,  or  even  lose  our  positions,  which  your  excellency  has 
always  said  we  filled  to  your  satisfaction,  and  in  a  manner  con- 
ducive to  the  welfare  of  the  army.  If  you  go  now,  you  there- 


THE  DISEASED  EYES.  465 

by  deprive  three  men  of  their  places,  although  they  feel  strong 
enough  yet  to  serve  their  country." 

"  It  is  true,  I  have  not  thought  of  that,"  said  Blucher,  em- 
barrassed. "  It  did  not  occur  to  me  that  I  should  have  a  suc- 
cessor here,  and  that  he  might  be  so  stupid  as  to  be  unable  to 
appreciate  my  Gneisenau,  and  the  brave  Colonels  Mtiding  and 
Grolman.  No,  no,  that  will  not  do ;  Langeron  must  not  be- 
come commancler-in-chief." 

"  If  you  leave  us,  he  will  surely  have  that  position,  and  our 
brave  Silesian  army  will  then  be  headed  by  a  Eussian.  No, 
field-marshal,  you  must  not  go.  You  have  no  right  to  quit 
the  army  so  arbitrarily,  and  without  the  king's  permission!" 

"  Well,  I  should  like  to  see  who  would  prevent  me!"  cried 
Blucher,  defiantly. 

"  Your  noble  soul,  your  devotion  to  duty,  and  your  love  of 
country,  will  prevent  you,"  said  Gneisenau.  "You  will  re- 
fuse to  abandon  your  work  before  it  is  completed.  You  will 
not  incur  the  disgrace  of  confessing  to  all  the  world  that  you 
are  unable  to  fulfil  your  word — not  to  rest  before  having  over- 
thrown Napoleon,  and  made  your  entrance  into  Paris.  Nor 
will  you  tarnish  your  glory  on  account  of  your  eyes.  You 
will  not  become  a  faithless  father  and  friend  to  your  sol- 
diers, whom  you  have  so  often  greeted  as  your  children,  and 
who  have  always  confided  in  you;  nor  will  you  break  our 
courage  and  paralyze  our  souls  by  deserting  us  in  this 
manner." 

"It  is  true,  I  did  not  think  sufficiently  on  this  matter," 
murmured  Blucher  to  himself — "Voelzke,"  he  then  cried 
aloud,  "  you  pledge  me  your  word  of  honor  that  you  can  cure 
me?" 

"  I  swear  it  to  your  excellency  by  all  that  is  sacred  that,  if 
you  take  care  of  yourself,  and  comply  with  my  prescriptions, 
you  will  be  cured  in  the  course  of  two  weeks." 

"Well,"  said  Blucher,  after  a  short  reflection,  "in  that  case 
I  will  yield,  and  stay." 

"Heaven  be  praised,  your  excellency!"  cried  Gneisenau, 
tenderly  embracing  Blucher,  "you  are  still  my  noble  field- 
marshal,  who  will  not  desert  his  army,  his  fatherland,  and  his 
friends,  for  the  sake  of  his  individual  comfort." 

"Yes,  I  will  stay,"  said  Blucher;  "but  as  I  have  to  obey 
the  grim  doctor  there,  and  submit  to  his  treatment  thoroughly, 
as  a  matter  of  course  I  cannot  work  and  make  the  necessary 
dispositions,  but  leave  this  tr  my  head — to  Gneisenau  alone. 


466  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

I  lend  you  my  name  for  two  weeks,  and  know  that  you  will 
make  good  use  of  it.  But  if  at  the  end  of  that  time,  doctor, 
I  am  not  yet  well,  then,  beware!  May  the  Lord  have  mercy 
on  your  soul!  for  you  will  certainly  get  yourself  into  trouble." 

"Your  excellency,"  cried  a  loud  voice  outside,  at  this  mo- 
ment—  "  your  excellency,  are  you  not  coming  at  all?"  The 
door  of  the  anteroom  was  violently  thrust  open,  and  the  pipe- 
master  appeared  on  the  threshold.  "  It  is  past  eight  o'clock," 
he  exclaimed,  "and — "  He  paused  on  perceiving  the  two 
gentlemen,  and  was  about  to  retire  very  quickly. 

"  Come  here,  pipe-master,"  exclaimed  Blucher,  "come  here 
and  look  at  me.  Now  tell  me,  pipe-master,  have  you  been  a 
chatterbox,  after  all,  and  told  these  two  gentlemen  what  was 
the  object  of  our  airing ?" 

"  No,  your  excellency ;  I  have  not  uttered  a  word  about  it 
to  any  one,"  replied  the  pipe-master,  solemnly.  "  I  have  been 
as  dumb  as  a  fish ;  only  in  secret  have  I  complained  of  my  dis- 
tress; and,  when  that  did  not  relieve  me,  and  I  still  felt  as 
though  my  heart  would  burst,  I  did  what  I  have  learned  to  do 
from  the  field-marshal:  I  went  to  my  room,  closed  the  door, 
and  swore  in  the  most  fearful  manner!  That  relieved  my 
heart,  and  I  proceeded  to  do  all  your  excellency  charged  me 
with." 

"  First,  therefore,  you  had  to  swear?"  asked  Blucher, 
drawing  his  long  mustache  through  his  fingers.  "  You  were, 
then,  greatly  dissatisfied  with  my  departure?" 

"  I  did  not  conceal  it  from  your  excellency.  I  told  you 
honestly  that  you  would  no  longer  be  called  Marshal  For- 
ward if  you  retreated." 

"Yes,  retreat — that  is  just  what  he  said,"  exclaimed  Blu- 
cher, laughing,  and  turning  again  toward  the  two  gentlemen; 
"  and  when  I  told  him  I  would  leave  the  army  and  set  out 
for  Brussels  he  remarked  that  it  was  a  secret  flight." 

"The  pipe-master  is  an  honest  man,  who  loves  his  master," 
said  Gneisenau,  kindly  smiling  on  him.  "I  have  often  and 
urgently  begged  him  to-day  to  announce  me  to  the  field-mar- 
shal ;  but  he  persisted  in  replying  that  he  was  not  allowed  to 
do  so,  and  that  he  was  ordered  to  admit  no  one." 

"  And  I  would  have  given  my  little-finger,  if  I  could  have 
admitted  General  Gneisenau,  and  Dr.  Voelzke,  too;  for  I 
knew  that,  as  soon  as  they  would  be  with  the  field-marshal, 
his  departure  would  not  be  very  soon.  As  they  are  here  now 
— though  I  do  not  know  how  they  got  here  so  unexpectedly— 


THE  DISEASED  EYES.  467 

I  suppose,  field-marshal,  we  shall  not  set  out,  and  I  may  send 
the  horses  back  to  the  stable?" 

"Yes,  you  may,"  said  Blucher.  "But  wait,  Christian,  do 
not  go  yet;  I  have  first  to  say  a  few  words  to  these  gentlemen, 
and  you  may  listen.  I  will  stay  here,  then,  but  on  one  con- 
dition. Will  you  fulfil  it?" 

"Yes,  your  excellency,"  cried  Gneisenau  and  Voelzke  at 
the  same  time. 

"  Well,  tell  me,  then,  how  did  you  discover  that  I  intended 
to  start  to-day,  the  pipe-master  having  said  nothing  about  it 
to  you  ?  For  I  shall  never  believe  that  both  of  you  could  hap- 
pen to  come  to  me  at  so  unusual  an  hour,  and  without  any 
reason.  Reply — who  told  you  that  I  was  about  to  leave?" 

"  You  yourself,  your  excellency,"  said  Surgeon-General 
Voelzke. 

"  What,  I !  What  nonsense  is  this !"  cried  Blucher,  laugh- 
ing. 

"  Yes,  I  heard  it  from  yourself.  Do  you  not  remember 
that  you  heard  a  mouse  rustle  in  your  alcove?" 

"To  be  sure,  I  did;  I  heard  it  twice." 

"Well,  then,  the  mouse  was  myself!  I  discovered  a  small 
secret  side-door  in  your  room,  and  desired  to  know  whither 
it  led.  I  therefore  thrust  it  open,  and  was  in  your  alcove; 
just  as  I  entered  I  heard  your  voice,  saying,  'It  is  settled, 
then,  Christian,  I  shall  set  out  for  Brussels  to-night,  but  no 
one  must  know  a  word  about  it!' — Your  excellency,  I  confess 
my  crime :  I  stood  and  listened ;  only  when  the  pipe-master 
left  your  room  did  I  softly  creep  away,  too,  and  hasten  to 
General  Gneisenau  to  inform  him  of  what  I  had  heard." 

"  Let  us  examine  the  alcove  more  carefully,  pipe-master," 
said  Blucher,  "  and  see  whether  there  is  not  somewhere  else  a 
secret  door.  Well,  you  may  go  now,  Hennemann,  and  send 
the  horses  back  to  the  stable. " 

"  Heaven  be  praised !"  exclaimed  Christian,  hastening  out 
of  the  room.  But  scarcely  had  he  closed  the  door,  when  he 
thrust  it  open  again.  "Field-marshal,"  he  said,  "General 
von  Pietrowitch,  adjutant  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  wishes 
to  see  your  excellency  immediately." 

"Come  in,  general,"  exclaimed  Blucher;  and  offering  his 
hand  to  the  officer,  he  asked  hastily,  "  tell  me,  in  the  first 
place,  general,  whether  you  bring  good  or  bad  news?" 

"  I  believe  I  bring  what  Marshal  Forward  would  call  good 
news,"  said  the  general,  smiling.  "I  come  as  a  messenger 


468  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

from  the  emperor  my  master,  and  the  king  your  master,  and 
am  commissioned  to  inform  you  of  the  determination  taken 
at  headquarters,  and  to  obtain  your  consent  and  cooperation." 

"  Is  it  a  secret  mission?"  asked  Gneisenau. 

"  On  the  contrary,  the  whole  army  will  have  to  hear  it  to- 
night," said  the  general.  "My  first  news,  then,  is,  that  the 
congress  of  Chatillon  was  dissolved  on  the  19th  of  March." 

"  Without  leading  to  any  results?"  asked  Blucher,  breath- 
lessly. "  Without  agreeing  on  a  treaty  of  peace,  or  an  armis- 
tice?" 

"  Nothing  of  the  kind,  your  excellency.  The  congress  has 
had  an  entirely  opposite  result — the  speedy  and  energetic 
prosecution  of  the  war.  All  the  diplomatists,  and  the  Em- 
peror Francis  with  them,  after  the  dissolution  of  the  congress, 
retired  southward  to  Dijon." 

"And  Schwartzenberg?"  cried  Blucher. 

"  Prince  Schwartzenberg  remained,  and  held  a  council  of 
war  with  the  monarchs  yesterday  near  Vitry.  The  result  of 
this  I  am  commissioned  to  communicate  to  you.  The  re- 
sumption of  the  offensive  against  Paris  has  been  decided  upon. 
Prince  Schwartzenberg  agrees  with  the  sovereigns  that  Paris 
is  the  decisive  point,  and  that  it  is  all-important  for  us  to  cut 
off  Napoleon  from  the  capital,  and  take  the  city  before  he  is 
able  to  reach  it.  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  therefore,  sends 
word  to  your  excellency  that  from  this  day  all  his  standards 
are  turned  toward  Paris,  and  that  the  army  of  Bohemia  is 
marching  in  three  columns.  To-night  they  encamp  at  Fere 
Champenoise,  where  the  headquarters  of  the  allies  are  to  be. 
Now,  Prince  Schwartzenberg  invites  you  to  participate  with 
the  Silesian  army  in  this  advance,  starting  at  once,  and 
advancing  by  the  road  of  Montmirail  and  La  Fert6-sous- 
Jouarre,  and  then  form  a  connection  with  the  army  of 
Bohemia."  * 

"  Yes,  I  shall  certainly  do  so,"  joyfully  cried  Blucher. 
'  Hurrah !  This  is  good  news;  now  the  word  is  not  only  with 
us,  but  everywhere,  'Forward!'  Tell  their  majesties,  and, 
above  all,  Prince  Schwartzenberg,  that  they  have  made  me 
very  happy,  and  have  performed  a  truly  miraculous  cure. 
I  was  sick  and  desponding;  now,  since  you  have  come,  I  am 
again  well  and  in  good  spirits.  I  feel  no  longer  any  pain,  and 
my  eyes  will  be  all  right  again,  now  that  they  know  that  they 
are  to  see  the  city  of  Paris.  I  thought  that  it  would  come  to 

*Beitzke,  vol.  iii.,  p.  431. 


ON  TO  PARIS!  469 

this — that  my  brave  brother  Schwartzenberg  would  at  length 
agree  with  me.  We  shall  soon  now  put  an  end  to  the  war. 
Bonaparte  must  be  dethroned,  and  that  speedily."  * 


CHAPTER    XLIX. 

ON  TO   PAKIS! 

NAPOLEON'S  courage  was  not  yet  paralyzed;  he  had  not  yet 
given  up  the  struggle.  His  indomitable  heart  was  still  wres- 
tling with  adversity,  and  hoping  that  he  would  be  able  to  over- 
come it.  It  is  true,  the  disastrous  battle  of  Bar-sur-Aube, 
where  the  army  of  Bohemia  had  gained  a  victory  on  the  20th 
of  March,  had  greatly  weighed  him  down;  but  a  few  days 
sufficed  to  restore  his  determination  and  energy.  On  the  26th, 
when  he  arrived  with  his  army  at  St.  Dizier,  he  had  already 
devised  new  plans,  and  was  again  resolved  to  give  battle  to 
the  allies.  "We  are  still  strong,"  he  said  to  Caulaincourt, 
who  had  just  joined  him  at  St.  Dizier.  "  We  have  upward  of 
fifty  thousand  men  here.  I  have  issued  orders  to  Marshals 
Marmont  and  Victor,  as  well  as  to  all  reinforcements  that 
are  on  the  road  from  Paris,  to  join  our  army.  When  they 
arrive,  my  forces  will  be  eighty  thousand,  and  the  allies  will 
not  dare  march  on  Paris,  where  they  will  find  me.  If  I  can 
now  induce  them  to  hesitate,  and  retard  their  operations  a 
short  time,  by  drawing  reinforcements  from  the  neighboring 
fortresses  of  the  Meuse  and  the  Moselle,  I  shall  increase  my 
army  to  upward  of  one  hundred  thousand,  and  it  will  then 
be  easy  for  me  to  delay  the  progress  of  the  enemy  by  con- 
stantly renewed  attacks,  and  thus  prolong  the  war. " 

"  But  I  am  afraid,  sire,  you  labor  under  a  delusion  as  to  one 
point:  that  it  is  still  possible  for  you  to  delay  the  progress  of 
the  allies  by  any  means  whatever,"  sighed  Caulaincourt.  "  I 
have  examined  every  thing  on  my  trip  to  your  majesty's  head- 
quarters; I  have  conversed  with  every  prisoner  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  our  troops,  and  I  do  not  believe  that  the  army  of 
Bohemia  is  in  the  rear  of  your  majesty,  but  that  it  has  out- 
stripped you,  and  is  already  on  the  road  to  Paris." 

Napoleon  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  stepped  to  the  door, 
which  he  opened,  shouting,  "  The  mayor  of  St.  Dizier !"  The 
corpulent  form  of  the  mayor,  who  greeted  the  emperor  with 

*Blucher's  own  words.— Vide  Varnhagen  von  Ense,  "Blucher,"  p.  375. 


470  NAPOLEON  AND  BLtJCHER. 

awkward  obeisances,  appeared  immediately.  "  Pray  repeat 
your  statements,"  said  the  emperor,  "The  enemy's  troops 
were  here  yesterday,  were  they  not?" 

"  They  were,  sire;  all  St.  Dizier  was  occupied  by  them.  It 
was  General  Winzingerode,  with  the  soldiers  of  the  allies. 
They  stated  that  they  were  the  vanguard  of  the  principal 
army.  General  Winzingerode  inspected  all  the  large  houses 
in  the  city,  and  reserved  the  best,  adding  that  the  Emperor 
of  Russia  and  the  King  of  Prussia  would  arrive  here  to- 
morrow, and  take  up  their  quarters  at  those  houses  ;*  but 
when  the  approach  of  your  majesty  was  reported,  the  enemy 
quickly  left  the  city." 

"Very  well;  you  may  go,"  said  Napoleon,  motioning  to 
the  mayor  to  leave  the  room. — "  Well,  Caulaincourt,  have  you 
satisfied  yourself  now?  Do  you  see  now  that  the  allies  are  not 
in  our  front,  but  still  in  our  rear?" 

"Sire,  suppose  it  were  a  delusion,  after  all?"  sighed  Cau- 
laincourt. "  Suppose  the  allies  had  devised  this  stratagem, 
to  mislead  your  majesty? — if  none  but  Winzingerode's  corps 
follow  us,  while  the  principal  army  is  hastening  toward  Paris 
by  different  routes?  Oh,  I  implore  your  majesty,  do  not  suffer 
your  keen  eyes  to  be  blinded  by  false  hopes!  Look  around 
and  examine  the  evidences  that  confirm  my  views.  All  the 
prisoners  report  that  the  armies  of  Bohemia  and  Silesia  have 
united,  and  are  now  marching  on  Paris.  Besides,  on  our  way 
from  Bar-sur-Aube  to  this  place,  we  have  nowhere  met  with 
large  columns  of  troops,  and  nothing  whatever  indicates  the 
approach  of  the  enemy  in  force." 

"Well,"  cried  Napoleon,  vehemently,  "if  we  have  not  met 
with  the  enemy's  forces,  it  may  be  because  they  are  in  full 
retreat  toward  Lorraine,  and  that  they  are  at  last  tired  of 
carrying  on  a  fruitless  struggle  with  me."  f 

"  Ah,  your  majesty  still  thinks  that  you  are  opposed  only 
by  the  timid  and  desponding  enemies  of  former  times!"  said 
Caulaincourt,  sighing;  "but  this  is  a  mistake,  which  will 
prove  disastrous." 

"Ah!"  cried  Napoleon,  vehemently,  "you  dare  tell  me 
that?" 

"Sire,"  said  Caulaincourt,  calmly,  "it  is  my  duty  to  tell 
you  the  truth,  and  you  are  in  duty  bound  to  listen  to  it.J 

*  This  was  a  stratagem,  resorted  to  by  Winzingerode,  in  order  to  mislead  Napo- 
leon as  to  the  march  of  the  allies. 
tFain,  "Manuscrit  de  1814,"  p.  142. 
J  Caulaincourfs  words, — "M6moires  d'un  Homrue  d  Etat,"  vol.  xii.,  p.  392. 


ON  TO  PARIS  471 

Now,  the  truth  is,  that  the  allies  are  firmly  determined  to 
carry  on  the  war  to  the  last  extremity,  and  that,  at  the  best, 
they  will  leave  to  your  majesty  the  frontiers  of  France  as  they 
were  under  the  Bourbons.  I  venture,  therefore,  once  more 
to  implore  your  majesty  to  make  peace;  sire,  peace  at  any 
cost!  Perhaps  it  may  be  time  yet.  Send  me  once  more  to 
the  allied  monarchs!  Tell  them  that  you  will  now  accept  the 
ultimatum  offered  us  at  the  congress  of  Chatillon,  and  that 
you  will  content  yourself  with  the  frontiers  of  France,  as 
they  were  previous  to  the  rise  of  the  empire.  Send  me  with 
this  declaration  to  the  Emperor  Alexander  of  Eussia,  who, 
at  the  bottom  of  his  heart,  is  still  your  friend !" 

"And  whose  devoted  friend  you  are!"  cried  Napoleon. 
"Yes,  you  are  Alexander's  servant,  and  not  mine!  You  are 
a  thorough  Eussian!" 

"  No,  sire,  I  am  a  Frenchman !"  said  Caulaincourt,  proudly, 
looking  the  emperor  full  in  the  face,  "  and  I  believe  I  prove 
it  by  imploring  your  majesty  to  give  peace  to  France  and  save 
your  crown." 

"Ah,  save  my  crown!"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "Who  dares, 
then,  threaten  my  crown?" 

"  Sire,  the  allies  and  the  Bourbons.  The  former  have 
issued  a  proclamation,  stating  that  they  come  to  this  country 
to  make  war  on  the  Emperor  Napoleon,  and  not  on  France ; 
and  the  Bourbons,  who  are  now  in  France,  at  the  headquar- 
ters of  the  allies,  have  issued  another  proclamation,  calling 
upon  the  nation  to  return  to  its  duty  and  to  the  allegiance 
due  to  its  legitimate  king." 

"I  am  neither  afraid  of  the  allies  nor  of  the  Bourbons," 
said  Napoleon.  "  The  French  nation  knows  no  Bourbons;  it 
knows  none  but  me,  its  emperor,  and  we  two  shall  not  break 
the  faith  we  have  plighted  to  each  other.  We  shall  conquer 
together.  Dare  no  longer  ask  me  to  accept  the  ignominious 
terms  of  the  congress  of  Chatillon.  It  is  better  to  die  beneath 
the  ruins  of  my  throne  than  be  at  the  mercy  of  my  enemies. 
The  allies  are  in  my  rear,  and  the  arrival  of  reinforcements 
will  soon  enable  me  to  give  them  battle;  I  shall  win,  and  it 
will  be  for  me  to  dictate  terms.  Under  the  walls  of  Paris  the 
grave  of  the  Eussians  will  be  dug.  My  dispositions  have  been 
made,  and  I  shall  not  fail."  * 

Caulaincourt  sighed,  and  gazed  with  an  air  of  painful  as- 
tonishment on  the  serene  face  of  the  emperor.  "Sire,"  he 

*  Napoleon 'swords. — Vide  Constant,  "M&noires,"  vol.  vi,  p.  48. 


4T2  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

said,  solemnly,  "  I  call  Heaven  to  witness  that  I  have  tried 
my  best  to  incline  your  majesty  to  my  prayers !  You  have 
refused  to  listen  to  me." 

"  Because  I  am  not  at  liberty  to  do  so,  Caulaincourt;  and, 
besides,  I  do  not  believe  in  your  apprehensions.  Suppose  that 
Alexander  and  Frederick  William  should  determine  to  con- 
tinue the  war,  there  is  a  third  sovereign  who  will  decide  the 
matter — the  Emperor  Francis,  my  father-in-law,  and  grand- 
father of  the  King  of  Rome.  You  see,  therefore,  that, 
though  the  present  prospects  were  unfavorable  to  me,  I  should 
at  least  have  nothing  to  fear  from  the  Bourbons ;  for  the  em- 
peror will  not  permit  his  daughter  to  be  robbed  of  her 
crown,  nor  his  grandson  of  his  rightful  inheritance." 

"  Sire,"  said  Caulaincourt,  in  a  low  voice,  "do  not  rely  too 
much  on  the  attachment  of  the  Emperor  Francis.  I  know 
that,  though  he  is  your  father-in-law,  he  has  never  forgotten 
the  day  when,  after  the  battle  of  Austerlitz,  he  met  you  as  an 
humble  supplicant  at  your  camp-fire,  and  begged  you  to  spare 
him  and  make  peace  with  him.  I  know  that  that  recollec- 
tion has  greater  power  over  him  than  any  bonds  of  relation- 
ship. I  know  that  Metternich,  who  is  still  devoted  to  your 
majesty,  vainly  tried  a  few  days  ago  to  prevail  upon  the  Em- 
peror Francis  to  intercede  energetically  with  the  other  mon- 
archs  for  his  son-in-law  and  daughter,  and  that  he  unsuccess- 
fully urged  him  to  take  into  consideration  the  future  of  his 
grandson,  the  King  of  Rome." 

"And  what  did  the  emperor  reply?"  asked  Napoleon, 
quickly. 

"  Sire,  the  emperor  replied,  in  his  strong  Austrian  dialect, 
'Do  not  always  talk  to  me  about  the  child!  I  have  at  home 
many  children  of  whom  I  ought  to  think  first.'  "  * 

"That  is  not  true;  he  did  not  say  so!"  cried  Napoleon. 

"  Sire,  he  did ;  Prince  Metternich  told  me  so. " 

Napoleon  paused  a  moment.  A  low  knocking  at  the  door 
interrupted  his  meditation.  One  of  the  adjutants  entered, 
and  reported  that  the  emperor's  equerry,  Count  Saint-Aignan, 
whom  the  emperor  had  intrusted  with  a  mission,  had  re- 
turned, and  requested  an  audience  of  his  majesty.  The  em- 
peror himself  hastened  to  the  door,  and  eagerly  motioned  to 
the  count  to  approach.  "Well,  Saint-Aignan,"  he  asked, 

*  The  Emperor  Francis  said :  "  Rodt's  niier  nit  alleweil  von  dem  Kind  ;  bei  mier 
z'  Hans  nab'  ich  gar  vielle  Kinder,  an  die  ich  z'erst  denken  muess. "— Hormayr, 
"  Lebensbilder, "  vol.  i.,  p.  98. 


ON  TO  PARIS!  473 

"  what  did  you  find?  How  is  the  disposition  of  the  people  in 
the  south  of  France?" 

"  Sire,"  said  tho  count,  mournfully,  "  I  bring  no  news  that 
will  gladden  your  majesty's  heart.  Southern  France  is  dis- 
contented ;  the  people  are  complaining  of  the  duration  of  the 
war ;  they  desire  peace  at  any  price,  and  are  disposed  to  re- 
sort to  extreme  measures  in  order  to  reestablish  it. " 

"What  does  that  mean?"  asked  the  emperor.  "I  do  not 
understand  you;  express  yourself  more  distinctly." 

"  Well,  then,  sire,  the  people  there  have  read  the  proclama- 
tion of  the  Bourbons,  and  think  of  reinstating  them,  for  the 
purpose  of  putting  an  end  to  the  Avar." 

"They  will  not  dare  to  do  that,"  cried  Napoleon,  casting 
an  angry  glance  on  Saint- Aignan. 

"They  have  already,  sire,"  said  the  count.  "The  city  of 
Bordeaux  has  declared  for  the  Bourbons,  and  the  Count 
d'Artois,  as  well  as  the  Duke  and  Duchess  d'Angonle'me, 
have  made  their  entrance  into  the  city,  and — " 

"  And  have  been  received  with  enthusiasm  by  the  popula- 
tion!" cried  Napoleon.  "Pray,  finish  your  sentence,  and 
tell  me  so.  Add  that  the  inhabitants  of  Bordeaux  have  re- 
turned to  their  duty,  and  that  you,  too,  have  discovered  what 
your  duty  is,  and  that  you  intend  to  return  to  the  legitimate 
rulers  of  France !  Go!  I  permit  you;  I  relieve  you  of  the 
duties  of  your  office!  Go  to  the  Bourbons!" 

Count  Saint- Aignan  did  not  stir;  pallor  overspread  his 
cheeks;  his  eyes,  fixed  on  the  emperor  with  an  indescribable 
expression  of  grief,  filled  with  tears,  and  his  quivering  lips 
were  unable  to  speak. 

"Sire,"  said  the  Duke  de  Vicenza,  "your  majesty  does  in- 
justice to  the  count.  You  commanded  him  to  give  a  reliable 
report  of  his  mission ;  he  was  not  at  liberty,  therefore,  to  con- 
ceal any  thing,  but  was  obliged  to  tell  you  the  whole  truth. " 

"The  truth!"  cried  Napoleon,  violently  stamping,  "that 
which  you  fear  or  desire  you  call  the  truth!  You  all  see 
through  the  colored  spectacles  of  your  anxiety,  and  would 
compel  me  to  do  so,  too;  but  I  will  not;  my  eyes  are  open, 
and  see  things  as  they  are.  Go,  Count  Saint- Aignan ;  your 
report  is  finished!"  The  count,  with  a  sigh,  approached  the 
door,  and,  slowly  walking  backward,  left  the  room.  "  The 
Bourbons!"  murmured  Napoleon  to  himself;  "they  shall  not 
dare  to  threaten  me  with  this  spectre!  There  are  no  Bour- 
bons !  I  am  the  Emperor  of  France,  and  it  is  to  me  alone 
31 


474  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

that  the  French  nation  owes  allegiance !"  He  looked  thought- 
fully, with  a  dark  and  wrinkled  forehead,  but,  presently  lift- 
ing his  head — "Oh,  Caulaincourt,"  he  exclaimed,  "I  will 
personally  satisfy  myself  whether  the  army  of  the  allies  is 
really  in  our  rear,  or  whether  your  fears  are  well  grounded. 
Let  us  set  out  for  Vitry!" 

"Heaven  be  praised!"  replied  the  Duke  de  Vicenza,  joy- 
fully. "  All  is  not  yet  lost ;  for  Vitry  is  on  the  road  to  Paris. " 

On  the  following  morning  the  emperor  moved  with  his 
forces  toward  Vitry,  and  took  up  his  quarters  at  Marolles,  a 
short  distance  from  the  little  fortress.  Here  at  length  he  was 
to  find  out  the  true  state  of  affairs.  He  was  met  by  inhabi- 
tants of  Fere  Champenoise,  who  had  fled  to  Marolles,  and  in- 
formed him  that  Marshals  Marmont  and  Mortier  had  suffered 
decisive  defeats  at  the  hands  of  the  allies;  that  the  divisions 
of  General  Pacthod  and  Aurey  had  been  annihilated,  and  that 
the  united  armies  of  Bohemia  and  Silesia  were  in  rapid 
march  on  Paris. 

An  expression  of  terror  passed  over  the  face  of  Napoleon, 
and  his  equanimity  seemed  to  be  shaken ;  but  he  soon  over- 
came the  effect  of  this  news,  calmly  remarking,  "  Well,  if  the 
allies  are  marching  on  Paris,  we  must  march  too." 

"Yes,  on  to  Paris!"  cried  the  marshals.  "That  is  the 
most  important  point  in  present  circumstances,  and  it  can  be 
defended,  if  the  emperor  hasten  with  his  army." 

"  On  to  Paris,  then !"  exclaimed  Napoleon.  "  But  we  must 
move  with  the  speed  of  the  wind!"  He  appeared  to  have 
regained  his  whole  energy ;  his  eyes  beamed  again,  his  face 
resumed  its  old  determination,  and  he  issued  his  orders  in  a 
firm  and  cheerful  voice. 

It  was  all-important  to  defend  the  emperor's  throne  at 
Paris,  and  to  protect  the  inheritance  of  the  King  of  Borne 
from  the  allies  and  the  Bourbons.  Forward,  then,  by  forced 
marches!  Napoleon's  headquarters  were  soon  at  Montier-en- 
Der — much  nearer  the  capital.  On  the  28th  of  March  he 
reached  Doulerant,  when  a  horseman,  covered  with  dust,  pale 
and  breathless,  coming  from  the  direction  of  the  capital,  gal- 
loped up  to  the  head  of  the  column.  "  Where  is  the  em- 
peror?" he  cried.  Having  been  conducted  to  him,  "Sire," 
he  whispered,  "I  am  sent  by  the  postmaster-general,  your 
faithful  Count  La  Valette,  to  deliver  this  paper." 

The  emperor  unfolded  the  paper  and  read.  A  slight 
tremor  pervaded  his  frame,  and  his  eyes  grew  gloomier.  He 


ON  TO  PARIS!  475 

cast  another  glance  on  the  paper,  and  then,  seizing  it  with 
his  teeth,  he  tore  it  to  pieces.  None  but  himself  was  to  learn 
the  contents  of  that  paper,  which  read :  "  The  adherents  of 
the  invaders,  encouraged  by  the  defection  of  Bordeaux,  are 
raising  their  heads;  secret  intrigues  are  helping  them.  The 
emperor's  presence  is  necessary,  if  he  wishes  to  prevent  his 
capital  from  being  delivered  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
"We  must  march  immediately.  Not  a  moment  is  to  be  lost."  * 

"Forward!"  shouted  the  emperor.  "We  must  hasten  to 
Paris,  and  be  there  to-morrow!"  The  emperor,  with  the 
cavalry  of  his  guard,  headed  the  column.  His  countenance 
was  still  calm  and  impenetrable;  but  at  times  a  gleam  lit  up 
his  sombre  eyes,  as  he  moved  on  in  a  violent  thunderstorm. 

Another  courier  galloped  up  and  asked  for  the  emperor. 
"  Announce  me  to  him.  The  lieutenant-general  of  the  em- 
pire, King  Joseph,  the  emperor's  brother,  sends  me." 

He  was  conducted  to  Napoleon,  who  received  him  with  the 
words,  "News  from  my  brother  in  Paris?  Give  me  your  dis- 
patch!" 

"  Sire,  I  have  no  dispatch  to  deliver ;  dispatches  may  be 
lost,  or  revealed  if  their  bearer  should  be  arrested;  but 
memory  betrays  nothing.  I  have  ridden  from  Paris  in  four- 
teen hours.  Here  are  my  credentials,  King  Joseph's  signet- 
ring." 

"  I  recognize  it.  Speak !"  By  a  wave  of  his  hand  Napoleon 
ordered  the  marshals  to  retire,  and,  bending  his  head  toward 
his  brother's  messenger,  he  repeated  calmly,  "Speak!" 

"Sire,"  whispered  the  messenger,  "the  king  informs  your 
majesty  that  the  allies  are  near  Paris;  that  Marshals  Mar- 
mont  and  Mortier,  though  determined  to  defend  the  capital, 
have  no  hope  of  holding  their  positions.  The  king  implores 
your  majesty  most  urgently  to  leave  nothing  undone  to  hasten 
to  the  assistance  of  your  capital."  f 

Having  heard  this  message,  the  emperor's  face  was  un- 
veiled; it  was  quivering  with  anguish,  and  his  eyes  turned  to 
heaven  in  despair.  "Oh,  if  I  had  wings!"  he  cried,  in  an 
outburst  of  grief;  "if  I  could  be  in  Paris  at  this  hour!" 
Then  he  became  silent,  and  his  head  sank  on  his  breast.  His 
generals  surrounded  him,  when  he  lifted  his  head  again  with 
drops  of  sweat  on  his  forehead,  but  his  face  resumed  its 
wonted  calmness.  "  General  Dejean,"  he  cried,  in  a  powerful 

*Fain,  "Manuscrit  de  1814." 
tFain,  "Manuscrit  de  1814." 


476  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

voice,  "  ride  to  Paris  as  fast  as  you  can.  Inform  my  brother 
that  I  am  making  a  forced  march  to  the  capital.  Hasten 
then  to  Marmont  and  Mortier ;  tell  them  to  resist  to  the  last, 
and  leave  nothing  untried  in  order  to  hold  out  but  for  two 
days.  In  that  time  I  shall  be  in  front  of  Paris,  and  it  is  safe! 
Marmont  is  to  dispatch  a  courier  to  Prince  Schwartzeuberg, 
and  inform  him  that  I  have  sent  an  envoy  to  the  Emperor 
Francis  with  propositions  leading  to  peace.  Schwartzenberg 
will  hesitate,  and  we  shall  gain  time.  Haste,  Dejean,  and 
remember  that  the  fate  of  my  capital  rests  with  you!" 

When  General  Dejean  rode  off,  Napoleon  sought  his  faith- 
ful friend,  the  Duke  de  Vicenza.  He  was  by  his  side  before 
the  emperor  had  uttered  his  name.  "  Caulaincourt,"  he  said, 
in  a  gentle  voice,  "you  were  right.  I  have  lost  two  days.  I 
might  now  be  in  Paris.  Fate  is  behind  me,  intent  on  crush- 
ing me,  and  death  itself  refuses  to  take  me !  At  the  battle  of 
Bar-sur-Aube  I  did  all  I  could  to  die  while  defending  my 
country.  I  plunged  into  the  thickest  of  the  fight ;  the  balls 
tore  my  clothes,  and  yet  not  one  of  them  injured  me.  I  am 
a  man  doomed  to  live  * — a  man  that,  for  the  welfare  of  his 
people,  is  to  subscribe  his  own  humiliation  and  disgrace! 
Caulaincourt,  go  to  the  Emperor  Francis  of  Austria.  Tell 
him  I  accept  the  ultimatum  which  the  allies  offered  me  at 
Chatillon.  I  sign  the  death-warrant  of  my  glory !  Hasten ! 
And  now,  forward!  In  two  days  we  must  reach  Paris!" 


CHAPTER    L. 

DEPARTURE   OF   MARIA   LOUISA. 

ON  the  same  day,  and  nearly  at  the  same  hour  of  the  29th 
of  March,  while  the  emperor  was  moving  with  his  troops  to- 
ward Paris,  a  scene  of  an  entirely  different  description  took 
place  at  the  rooms  of  the  empress,  his  consort,  in  the  Tuile- 
ries.  Napoleon,  in  his  despair,  wished  for  wings  to  fly  to 
Paris;  Maria  Louisa,  in  her  anguish,  wished  for  wings  to  fly 
away  from  Paris;  for  the  enemy  was  at  its  gates,  and  it  was 
plain  that  the  city  must  either  capitulate  or  run  the  risk  of 
an  assault. 

As  yet  Maria  Louisa  called  the  allies  threatening  the  throne 
of  her  husband,  and  the  inheritance  of  her  son,  her  enemies, 

*  Napoleon's  words.— Vide  Bausset's  "  Memoires,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  846. 


DEPARTURE  OF  MARIA  LOUISA.  47? 

although  her  own  father  was  among  them.  She  deemed  her- 
self in  duty  bound  to  stand  by  her  husband,  to  brave  the 
vicissitudes  of  fortune  jointly  with  him,  and  obey  his  will. 
The  emperor  desired  that  his  consort  and  his  son  should  not 
remain  in  the  city  if  any  danger  should  menace  them.  When 
the  news  reached  the  Tuileries  that  the  allies  had  arrived  at 
the  walls  of  Paris,  and  it  became  obvious  that  the  corps  of 
Marmont  and  Mortier  were  not  strong  enough  to  withstand 
the  armies  of  the  enemy,  King  Joseph,  the  lieutenant  of  the 
emperor,  summoned  the  regent,  Maria  Louisa,  and  the  council 
of  state,  to  deliberate  on  the  grave  question  whether  or  not 
the  empress  and  the  King  of  Borne  should  remain,  or  be 
withdrawn  to  a  place  of  safety  beyond  the  Loire. 

The  decision  was  left  with  Maria  Louisa;  but  the  regent 
had  declared  it  was  not  for  her  to  settle  this  question;  it  was 
for  the  very  purpose  of  advising  her  and  guiding  her  steps  that 
the  emperor  had  associated  the  council  of  state  with  her. 
King  Joseph  produced  a  letter  from  Napoleon  of  a  nature  to 
indicate  his  wishes.  It  was  dated  Rheims,  15th  of  March, 
and  read : 

"  In  accordance  with  the  verbal  instructions  which  I  have 
given,  and  with  the  spirit  of  all  my  letters,  you  are  in  no 
event  to  permit  the  empress  and  the  King  of  Rome  to  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy.  I  am  about  to  manoeuvre  in  such  a 
manner  that  you  may  possibly  be  several  days  without  hearing 
from  me.  Should  the  enemy  advance  upon  Paris  with  such 
forces  as  to  render  all  resistance  impossible,  send  off  in  the 
direction  of  the  Loire  the  empress,  the  King  of  Rome,  the 
great  dignitaries,  the  ministers,  the  officers  of  the  senate, 
the  president  of  the  council  of  state,  the  great  officers  of  the 
crown,  and  the  treasure.  Never  quit  my  son;  and  keep  in 
mind  that  I  would  rather  see  him  in  the  Seine  than  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemies  of  France!  The  fate  of  Astyanax,  a 
prisoner  in  the  hands  of  the  Greeks,  has  always  appeared  to 
me  the  most  deplorable  in  history. 

"  Your  brother,  NAPOLEON."  * 

This,  of  course,  put  an  end  to  all  debate.  The  emperor's 
precise  and  final  order,  providing  for  the  very  case  which  had 
occurred,  could  not  be  disregarded,  and  Maria  Louisa  accord- 
ingly determined  to  leave  with  her  son  and  her  suite  for  Ram- 
bouillet.  The  morning  of  the  29th  of  March  was  fixed  for 
the  departure.  The  travelling-carriages,  loaded  with  bag- 

*  Baron  de  Meneval,  "  Marie  Louise  et  Napolfion,"  vol.  il.,  p.  880. 


478  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

gage,  stood  in  the  court-yard  of  the  Tuileries;  but  Maria 
Louisa  still  hesitated.  Her  travelling-toilet  was  completed ; 
her  ladies  were  with  her  in  the  reception-room,  filled  with 
persons  forming  the  cortege  of  the  empress.  All  entered  in 
mournful  silence,  and  to  their  bows  the  empress  responded 
only  with  a  nod.  Her  eyes,  red  with  weeping,  were  fixed  on 
the  door;  she  awaited  in  suspense  the  return  of  King  Joseph, 
who  had  left  the  Tuileries  at  daybreak,  and  had  gone  to  the 
gates  of  Paris  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  position.  At  first 
the  departure  was  to  have  taken  place  at  eight  in  the  morn- 
ing ;  now  it  was  past  nine,  and  King  Joseph  had  not  yet  re- 
turned. 

This  unexpected  delay  increased  the  anxiety.  None  dared 
interrupt  the  breathless  silence  reigning  in  the  apartment ; 
only  here  and  there  some  one  whispered,  and,  whenever  a  door 
opened,  all  started  and  turned  anxiously  toward  it,  as  if  ex- 
pecting a  bearer  pf  sad  tidings.  The  face  of  the  empress  was 
pale  and  agitated;  her  form  trembled;  at  times  she  turned 
toward  her  ladies,  who  stood  behind  her,  and  addressed  to 
them  some  almost  inaudible  question,  not  waiting  for  a  re- 
ply, but  looking  again  toward  the  door,  or  inclining  her  head 
on  her  bosom. 

Suddenly  the  door  was  opened,  and  on  the  threshold  ap- 
peared the  little  King  of  Rome,  followed  by  his  governess, 
Madame  de  Montesquiou.  The  boy's  face  did  not  exhibit  to- 
day its  air  of  childlike  mirth,  which  usually  beamed  like 
sunshine  from  his  beautiful  features.  No  smile  was  on  his 
fresh  lips,  and  his  lustrous  eyes  were  dimmed.  With  a  sullen 
face  and  without  looking  at  any  one,  the  child,  so  intelligent 
for  his  years,  stepped  through  the  room  directly  toward  his 
mother.  "Mamma  empress,"  he  said,  in  his  silvery  voice, 
"  my  'Quiou  says  that  we  are  about  to  leave  Paris,  and  shall 
no  longer  live  at  the  Tuileries.  Is  that  true,  mamma?" 

"Yes,  my  son,  we  must  leave,"  said  the  empress,  in.. a  low 
voice,  "but  we  shall  return." 

"We  must.,  leave?"  inquired  the  little  king.  "But  my 
papa  once  said  to  me,  the  word  'must'  is  not  for  me,  and  I  do 
not  want  it  either,  and  I  pray  my  dear  mamma  not  to  leave 
Paris  with  me." 

"But  the  emperor  himself  wishes  us  to  leave,  Napoleon," 
said  the  empress,  sighing,  and  with  some  displeasure.  "  Your 
papa  has  ordered  us  to  depart  if  the  enemy  should  come. " 

"The  enemy!"  cried  the  boy;  "I  am  not  afraid  of  the  en- 


DEPARTURE  OF  MARIA  LOUISA.  478 

emy.  If  he  comes,  we  do  as  my  papa  emperor  always  does — 
we  beat  the  enemy,  and  then  he  runs  away." 

But  these  words  of  the  brave  child,  which  would  have  de- 
lighted his  father's  heart,  seemed  to  make  a  disagreeable  im- 
pression upon  his  mother.  She  murmured  a  few  inaudible 
words,  and  slightly  shrugged  her  shoulders. 

Madame  de  Montesquiou  took  the  child  by  the  hand. 
"Come,  sire,"  she  said,  in  alow  voice,  "do  not  disturb  her 
majesty.  Come!" 

"No,  no,"  cried  the  boy,  violently  disengaging  himself,  "I 
am  sure  you  want  to  carry  me  down  to  the  carriage,  and  I  tell 
you  I  will  not  go !  Let  me  stay  here  with  my  mother,  dear 
'Quiou ;  I  do  not  disturb  her,  for  you  see  she  is  not  busy,  and 
she  does  not  want  to  be  alone  either,  for  there  are  a  great 
many  persons  with  her.  Therefore,  I  may  stay  here,  too,  may 
I  not,  dear  mamma  empress!" 

"Yes,  my  son,  stay  here,"  said  the  empress,  abstractedly, 
looking  again  at  the  door. 

"I  am  not  afraid  of  the  enemy,"  cried  the  little  king, 
proudly  throwing  back  his  head.  "  My  papa  will  soon  come 
and  drive  him  away.  But  tell  me,  mamma,  what  is  the  name 
of  the  enemy  who  wants  to  rob  us  of  our  beautiful  palace? 
What  is  his  name?" 

"Hush,  Napoleon!"  said  the  empress,  almost  indignantly; 
"  what  good  would  it  do  you  to  hear  what  you  do  not  under- 
stand?" 

"Oh,  dear  mamma,"  cried  the  child,  with  a  triumphant 
air,  "  I  can  understand  very  well,  for  my  papa  has  often  played 
war  on  the  floor  with  me,  and  we  have  built  fortresses.  And 
not  long  ago,  papa  emperor  told  me,  too,  that  he  was  going 
to  the  army,  and  he  spoke  of  his  enemies.  I  remember  them 
very  well :  they  are  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  who  once  kissed 
my  papa's  hand,  and  thanked  God  that  papa  emperor  con- 
sented to  be  his  friend ;  the  King  of  Prussia,  from  whom  my 
papa  could  have  taken  all  his  states;  the  crown  prince  of 
Sweden,  who  learned  the  art  of  war  from  my  papa,  and  is  a 
faithless  servant;  and  last,  the  Emperor  of  Austria.  But  tell 
me,  mamma,  is  not  he  your  father?  And  did  you  not  tell  me 
that  I  ought  to  pray  every  night  for  my  grandfather,  the 
Emperor  of  Austria?" 

"  I  did  tell  you  so,  Napoleon,"  whispered  the  empress, 
whose  eyes  filled  with  tears. 

The  boy  looked  down  for  a  moment  musingly ;  and  then, 


480  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

lifting  his  large  blue  eyes  to  his  mother,  "  Mamma,"  he  said, 
"  henceforth  I  shall  never  again  pray  for  the  Emperor  of  Aus- 
tria, for  he  is  now  my  papa's  enemy,  and,  therefore,  no  longer 
my  grandfather.  No,  no,  I  shall  not  pray  for  him,  but  only 
as  my  papa  likes  me  to  do."  And  the  boy  knelt  down,  lifting 
up  his  hands,  and  exclaiming  in  a  loud  voice,  "  Good  God, 
I  pray  to  Thee  for  France  and  for  my  father!" 

Expressions  of  deep  emotion  were  heard  in  the  room.  The 
empress  covered  her  face  with  her  handkerchief,  and  wept 
bitterly.  The  little  king  was  still  on  his  knees,  with  his  eyes 
raised  toward  heaven.  Suddenly  the  door  at  which  the 
empress  had  looked  so  long  and  anxiously,  opened.  It  was 
not  King  Joseph  who  entered,  but  the  adjutant  of  General 
Clarke,  the  regent's  minister  of  war.  Approaching  the 
empress,  he  begged  leave  to  communicate  a  message  from 
the  minister. 

"Speak,"  said  Maria  Louisa,  hastily,  "and  loud  enough 
for  every  one  to  hear  the  news." 

"  His  excellency,  the  minister  of  war,  has  commissioned  me 
to  implore  your  majesty  in  his  name  to  leave  without  a  mo- 
ment's delay.  He  believes  that  every  minute  increases  the 
danger,  and  that  an  hour  hence  it  might  be  impossible  for 
you  to  get  away,  because  your  majesty  would  then  run  the 
risk  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  roving  bands  of  Cossacks. 
The  Eussian  corps  are  already  near,  and  we  shall  soon  hear 
their  cannon  thunder  at  the  very  gates  of  Paris."  * 

"Well,  then,"  said  Maria  Louisa,  with  quivering  lips,  "be 
it  so!  Let  us  set  out. " 

All  felt  that  the  decisive  hour  was  at  hand.  The  empress 
quickly  advanced  a  few  steps.  "Come!"  she  exclaimed,  in 
feverish  agitation.  "  Let  us  set  out  for  Eambouillet!" 

Suddenly  her  son  grasped  her  hand  and  endeavored  to  draw 
her  back.  "Dear  mamma,"  he  cried,  anxiously,  "do  not  go! 
Eambouillet  is  an  ugly  old  castle.  Let  us  not  go,  but  stay 
here!"f 

"It  cannot  be,  my  son;  we  must  go!" 

But  little  Napoleon  pushed  back  her  hand  with  a  gesture  of 
indignation.  "Well,  then,  mamma,"  he  said,  "go!  I  will 
not  go.  I  will  not  leave  my  house!  As  papa  is  not  here,  I 
am  the  master!  and  I  say  I  will  not  go!"  f 

The  empress  motioned  to  the  equerry  on  service.     "  M.  de 

*Meneval,  "Marie  Louise,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  266. 
t  The  little  king's  words  —Ibid. 
$  Meneval,  "  Marie  Louise." 


DEPARTURE  OF  MARIA  LOUISA.  481 

Comisy,"  she  ordered,  "take  the  prince  in  your  arms  and 
carry  him  to  the  carriage." 

"The  prince!  I  am  no  prince,  I  am  the  King  of  Rome," 
cried  the  boy,  in  the  most  violent  anger.  "  I  will  not  go !  I 
will  not  leave  my  house ;  I  do  not  want  you  to  betray  my  dear 
papa!"  *  The  empress  took  no  longer  any  notice  of  him;  M. 
de  Comisy  lifted  the  crying,  struggling  boy  into  his  arms. 
''Quiou,  dear  'Quiou!"  cried  the  child,  "oh,  come  to  my 
assistance!  I  will  not  leave  my  house!" 

"Sire,"  said  Madame  de  Montesquiou,  weeping,  "we  must 
leave:  the  emperor  has  ordered  us  to  do  so!" 

"It  is  false!"  cried  the  prince,  bursting  into  a  flood  of 
tears,  and  still  trying  to  disengage  himself.  "  My  papa  never 
ordered  any  such  thing,  for  he  says  that  one  ought  never  to 
flee  from  the  enemy.  I  will  not  go,  I  will  not  flee!" 

"Come,  sire;  come!"  exclaimed  M.  de  Comisy. 

"I  will  not  go!"  said  the. boy,  and  clung  to  the  door.  But 
Madame  de  Montesquiou,  vainly  trying  to  comfort  the  prince 
by  gentle  words,  disengaged  his  tiny  hands,  and  M.  de 
Comisy  hurried  on.  The  whole  court,  the  whole  travelling 
cortege  thronged  forward,  following  the  empress  and  the  King 
of  Rome. 

Soon  the  brilliant  apartment  was  empty ;  but  the  deserted 
rooms  echoed  the  distant  cries  of  the  little  King  of  Rome. 
All  his  struggles  were  in  vain.  M.  de  Comisy  was  not  al- 
lowed to  have  pity  on  him ;  the  will  of  the  empress  had  to 
be  fulfilled. 

At  length  the  preparations  were  completed,  and  all  had 
taken  their  seats.  The  large  clock  on  the  tower  of  the 
Tuileries  struck  eleven  as  the  empress's  carriage  rolled  slowly 
across  the  spacious  court-yard.  The  crying  of  the  little  king, 
who  sat  by  the  side  of  his  mother,  was  still  heard.  With 
them  were  also  the  mistress  of  ceremonies,  the  Duchess  de 
Montebello,  and  the  governess.  Nine  other  carriages  followed, 
decorated  with  the  imperial  coat-of-arms,  and  numerous  bag- 
gage-wagons, and  the  whole  train  of  a  brilliant  court.  The 
procession  filled  the  whole  length  of  the  court-yard  of  the 
Tuileries. 

When  the  carriage  of  the  empress  drove  through  the  large 
iron  enclosure,  a  small  crowd  of  spectators  stood  near,  and 
gazed  in  mournful  silence.  Not  a  hand  was  raised  to  salute 
the  fugitives;  not  a  voice  shouted  farewell.  The  sad  train 

*The  king's  words.— Vide  "M6moires  du  Due  de  Rovigo,"  vol.  vii.,  p.  5. 


482  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

passed  along,  while  the  people  looked  after  it,  as  if  the  funeral 
procession  of  the  empire.  The  imperial  party  disappeared 
among  the  trees  of  the  Champs  Elysees,  and  left  Paris  by  the 
"Gate  of  Victory." 

CHAPTER    LI. 

THE   CAPITULATION"   OF   PARIS. 

THE  roar  of  cannon,  which  continued  all  the  day  long  of 
the  30th  of  March,  began  now  to  cease;  but  the  great  battle 
which  the  allies  fought  under  the  walls  of  Paris  with  the  corps 
of  Marmont  and  Mortier,  was  not  finished.  Before  resorting 
to  a  bombardment,  and  an  assault  on  the  city,  conciliation 
was  once  more  to  be  tried.  Delegates  of  the  monarchs,  there- 
fore, repaired  to  the  marshals,  and  requested  them  to  consent 
to  an  honorable  capitulation. 

"This  is  another  instance  of  our  foolish  generosity!" 
growled  Blucher,  leaning  back  in  his  carriage.  "  The  whole 
rats'-nest  ought  to  be  demolished;  Bonaparte  and  the  French 
would  then  have  to  submit.  But  I  see  already  how  it  will  be. 
The  peace  will  be  unsatisfactory,  and  our  demands  will  be  as 
modest  as  possible,  lest  we  incur  the  displeasure  of  the  dear 
French. — Pipe-master,  hand  me  a  short  pipe!  I  must  smoke, 
to  stifle  my  anger." 

"Your  excellency,"  said  Christian,  riding  up  to  the  car- 
riage, "  you  have  promised  the  surgeon  general  not  to  smoke 
much,  and  least  of  all  a  short  pipe,  because  the  hot  smoke  is 
injurious  to  the  eyes.  Your  excellency  has  smoked  six  pipes 
to-day!" 

"And  it  seems  to  me  that  is  very  little!  What  are  six 
pipes  for  a  general-in-chief ,  who  has  to  reflect  so  much  as  I 
have  to-day?  Give  me  a  pipe,  Christian;  it  is  bad  enough 
that  I  have  to  sit  in  such  a  monkey-box  of  a  carriage,  instead 
of  riding  on  horseback  at  the  head  of  my  troops. " 

"  Nevertheless,  every  thing  passed  off  very  well,"  said  Chris- 
tian, calmly.  "  You  shouted  your  orders  out  of  the  carriage 
like  a  madman,  and  the  generals  and  adjutants  heard  and 
executed  all  as  if  you  had  been  on  horseback  among  them. 
In  fact,  it  would  have  been  only  necessary  for  you  to  order, 
'Forward!'  It  would  have  been  just  as  well,  for  your  hus- 
sars were  intent  on  nothing  else ;  and,  like  their  field-mar- 
ahal,  they  wished  only  to  reach  Paris." 


THE  CAPITULATION  OF  PARIS.  483 

"  And  now  we  have  to  wait  here  without  firing  a  gun,"  re- 
plied Blucher.  "  Moreover,  my  eyes  ache  as  if  they  were  burn- 
ing. The  sun  has  been  blazing  all  day,  as  though  curious  to 
see  whether  or  not  we  should  take  Paris;  he  has  poured  his 
rays  on  me  since  daybreak,  and  I  had  no  protection  for  my 
old  eyes.  On  looking  out  of  the  carriage  early  this  morning 
I  lost  my  shade ;  the  wind  carried  it  off  as  though  it  were  a 
kite.  I  have  lost  it,  and,  what  is  worse,  I  cannot  even  enter 
Paris,  for  we  shall  of  course  sign  a  capitulation." 

"Here  is  the  pipe,  your  excellency,"  said  Christian,  "and 
now,  good-by,  field-marshal ;  I  have  to  attend  to  a  little  private 
matter." 

He  galloped  off,  and  Blucher  looked  after  him.  "  Happy 
fellow!"  he  said,  sighing;  "he  can  gallop  as  light  as  a 
bird,  while  I  must  sit  here  as  a  poor  old  prisoner!"  At 
this  moment  his  adjutant,  Major  von  Nostiz,  rode  up  to  the 
field- marshal's  carriage.  "Well,  Nostiz,  tell  me  how  things 
look  in  the  outer  world.  What  is  the  news?" 

"  Bad  and  good,  your  excellency,"  said  Nostiz.  "  A  murder- 
ous battle  has  taken  place  to-day,  and  we  have  sustained  heavy 
losses.  About  eight  thousand  men  were  killed  on  our  side, 
but  in  return  we  have  gained  a  large  number  of  trophies, 
field-pieces,  caissons,  and  stands  of  colors." 

"We  ought  to  have  taken  all  their  colors!"  cried  Blucher, 
eagerly.  "What  say  the  monarchs  now,  Nostiz?  Will  they 
still  leave  the  Parisians  the  choice  to  suffer  a  bombardment 
or  not?" 

"  The  negotiations  are  still  pending. " 

"Are  the  monarchs  themselves  taking  part  in  them?  Do 
they  condescend  to  negotiate  in  person?" 

"No,  your  excellency.  The  monarchs  have  returned  to 
their  quarters;  the  King  of  Prussia  has  gone  to  the  village  of 
Pantin,  the  Emperor  of  Russia  to  Bondy,  and  their  representa- 
tives have  repaired  to  the  suburb  of  La  Chapelle,  where  they 
are  treating  with  Marshals  Mortier  and  Marmont  and  their 
two  adjutants  in  regard  to  the  capitulation  of  Paris." 

"  Would  that  their  negotiations  were  unsuccessful — that  we 
might  have  the  pleasure  of  bombarding  this  infamous  city 
which,  for  twenty  years  past,  has  brought  so  much  misery  on 
Europe!" 

"  There  is  some  prospect  of  it,"  said  Nostiz,  smiling. 
"  The  allies  have  demanded  that  the  French  corps  should  sur- 
render as  prisoners  of  war.  To  this  the  marshals  refused  to 


484  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

accede,  declaring  that  they  would  perish  first  in  the  streets, 
so  the  allies  agreed  to  abandon  this  article.  A  discussion  next 
rose  as  to  the  route  by  which  the  corps  of  Marmont  and 
Mortier  should  retire,  so  as  to  be  prevented  from  joining  the 
approaching  forces  of  the  emperor,  the  allies  insisting  for  that 
of  Brittany,  the  French  for  any  that  they  might  choose.  The 
marshals  refused  positively  to  agree  to  these  demands." 

"They  did!"  cried  Blucher,  in  an  angry  voice.  "Well,  I 
am  glad  of  it,  for  I  see  now  that  we  shall  have  a  bombardment. 
Let  us  immediately  make  all  necessary  dispositions  for  it,  in 
order  that  when  the  fun  commences  we  may  be  ready.  Bring 
me  my  horse!"  With  the  activity  of  a  youth  Blucher  opened 
his  carriage  and  vaulted  on  the  horse,  which  the  groom  led 
close  to  the  carriage.  For  a  moment  he  reeled  in  the  saddle ; 
for  he  felt  as  if  red-hot  daggers  were  piercing  his  eyes,  but  he 
overcame  his  faintness  and  pain.  "  Where  are  the  members  of 
my  staff,  Nostiz?"  he  asked,  eagerly. 

"They  are  near,  your  excellency,  at  La  Villette." 

"  Let  us  ride,  then,  to  La  Villette,  and  thence  up  the  Mont- 
martre.  Nostiz,  you  will  have  immediately  eighty  or  ninety 
pieces  planted  on  the  Montmartre,  that,  when  the  bombard- 
ment commences  early  in  the  morning,  there  may  be  no  de- 
lay.* Make  haste,  Nostiz!  There  must  be  at  least  eighty 
pieces!  We  shall  startle  the  Parisians  out  of  their  slumber," 
growled  Blucher,  riding  along  the  road  to  La  Villette,  attended 
by  his  orderlies;  "let  them  see  that  another  state  of  affairs 
exists,  and  that  they  are  no  longer  the  masters  of  the  world, 
and  able  to  trample  others  in  the  dust!" 

At  La  Villette,  Blucher  met  the  members  of  his  staff,  and, 
with  Gneisenau  and  Muffling  by  his  side,  and  followed  by  the 
other  officers,  rode  up  the  heights  of  Montmartre.  The  sun 
had  set,  but  his  last  beams  still  lingered  in  the  evening  clouds. 
The  silence  reigning  around  them  after  the  uproar  of  the  day, 
made  upon  their  minds  a  solemn  impression.  At  first  the 
party  engaged  in  an  animated  conversation,  but  it  gradually 
ceased.  Peaceful  nature  in  this  spring  eventide  contrasted 
the  noise  and  bloodshed  of  the  day  with  her  own  indifference, 
so  that  even  Blucher  himself  was  deeply  moved. 

They  reached  the  crest  of  the  Montmartre.  Paris — the 
long-feared,  but  now  vanquished  Paris,  which  for  centuries 
had  not  seen  a  conquering  enemy  near  its  walls — lay  at  their 
feet.  The  steeples  of  Notre-Dame,  of  St.  Genevieve,  the 

*  Varnhagen  von  Ense,  "  Life  of  Blucher,"  p.  380. 


THE  CAPITULATION  OF  PARIS.  485 

large  cupola  of  the  Hotel  des  Invalides,  the  countless  spires 
proudly  looming  up,  the  vast  pile  of  the  Tuileries,  the  Louvre, 
the  Palais-Royal,  where  for  twenty  years  Napoleon  had  given 
laws  to  trembling  Europe,  were  plainly  discerned.  And  this 
great  city,  with  its  temples  and  palaces,  was  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  They  were  Prussian  generals  who  looked  down 
from  the  heights  of  the  Montmartre,  and  who  for  seven  years 
had  borne  the  disgrace  of  their  country  with  sad  yet  coura- 
geous hearts;  but  this  moment  was  a  sufficient  indemnity  for 
the  long  years  of  wretchedness. 

"This,  then,  is  Paris,"  said  Blucher,  after  a  long  pause, 
and  his  voice  was  gentle  and  tremulous.  "  This  is  Paris,  for 
which  I  have  longed  during  seven  years — the  city  which  I 
knew  my  eyes  would  see,  that  I  might  die  in  peace !  Good 
God,"  he  cried,  lifting  his  blue  eyes  toward  heaven,  and  tak- 
ing off  his  cap,  "  I  thank  Thee  for  having  permitted  us  to  be 
here,  for  lending  us  Thy  assistance  in  attaining  our  object, 
and  hurling  from  the  throne  the  man  who  has  so  long  been  a 
terror  to  humanity.  I  thank  Thee  for  having  called  us,  the 
men  who  saw  the  disastrous  day  of  Jena,  to  participate  in  the 
day  of  liberation!  Blessed  spirit  of  our  Queen  Louisa!  if 
thou,  with  thine  heavenly  eyes  that  wept  so  much  on  earth, 
now  lookest  down  upon  us,  behold  our  hearts  full  of  gratitude 
toward  God,  and  of  love  for  thee  as  when  thou  wast  among 
us!  Thou  hast  assisted  us  in  gaining  the  victory;  assist  us 
now,  too,  in  profiting  by  it  in  a  manner  worthy  ourselves,  and 
for  the  welfare  of  the  fatherland!"  He  paused,  and,  shading 
his  face  with  his  cap,  prayed  in  a  low  voice.  The  generals 
followed  his  example ;  removing  their  hats,  they  offered  silent 
prayers  of  gratitude  to  God.  "Now,"  cried  Blucher,  putting 
on  his  cap  again,  "  we  have  paid  homage  to  Heaven,  let  us 
think  a  little  of  ourselves.  I  am  still  in  hope  that  there  will 
be  a  bombardment,  and  that  we  shall  send  our  balls  to  the 
Parisians  for  breakfast  to-morrow.  I  will,  therefore,  remain 
on  the  Montmartre,  and  establish  here  my  quarters  for  the 
night." 

"Field-marshal!"  shouted  a  voice  at  a  distance.  "Field- 
Marshal  Blucher,  where  are  you?" 

"Here  I  am!"  shouted  Blucher. 

"And  here  I  am!"  cried  Hennemann,  galloping  up. 

"Pipe-master,  is  it  you?"  asked  Blucher,  in  amazement. 
"Well,  what  do  you  want,  and  where  have  you  been  so 
long?" 


486  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"  I  have  just  brought  an  eye-shade  for  you,  and  here  it  is," 
said  Christian,  handing  with  profound  gravity  a  lady's  bonnet 
of  green  silk,  with  a  broad  green  brim. 

"A  bonnet!"  exclaimed  Blucher,  laughing.  "What  am 
I  to  do  with  it?" 

"  Put  it  on,"  said  Christian,  composedly.  "  We  can  cut  off 
the  crown,  then  it  will  be  a  good  shade;  your  excellency  will 
put  it  on,  and  wear  your  general's  hat  over  it." 

"That  will  do,"  said  Blucher.  "But  tell  me,  my  boy, 
where  did  you  get  it?" 

"  I  saw  this  afternoon  a  lady  with  a  green  bonnet  at  a  villa 
near  which  I  passed,  and  when  you  told  me  you  ought  to  have 
an  eye-shade,  I  thought  immediately  of  the  bonnet.  Well,  I 
rode  to  the  house,  and  knocked  so  long  at  the  door  that  they 
opened  it.  There  were  none  but  women  at  the  house,  and 
they  cried  and  wailed  dreadfully  on  seeing  me.  Well,  I  told 
them  at  once  that  I  would  not  hurt  them,  but  was  only  de- 
sirous of  getting  the  green  bonnet.  While  the  women  were 
raising  such  a  hue-and-cry,  another  door  opened,  and  the  lady 
who  owned  the  house  came  in,  with  the  bonnet  on.  Well,  I 
went  directly  to  her,  made  her  an  obeisance,  and  said, 
'Madame,  be  so  kind  as  to  give  me  your  green  bonnet  for  my 
field-marshal,  who  has  sore  eyes. ' ' 

"Well,  and  did  she  understand  your  good  Mecklenburg 
German?"  inquired  Blucher,  smiling. 

"  No,  she  did  not  understand  me  apparently,  but  I  made 
myself  understood,  your  excellency." 

"Well,  what  did  you  do?" 

"  Oh,  your  excellency,  I  simply  stepped  near  her,  took  hold 
of  the  large  knot  by  which  her  bonnet  was  tied  under  her 
chin,  loosened  it,  seized  the  bonnet  by  the  brim,  and  took  it 
very  gently  from  her  head.  She  cried  a  little,  and  fainted 
away — but  that  will  not  hurt  a  woman ;  I  know  she  will  soon 
be  better.  I  secured  my  prize,  and  here  I  am,  and  here  is 
your  excellency's  eye-shade." 

"And  a  good  one  it  is.  I  thank  you,  my  boy;  I  will  wear 
it  in  honor  of  you,  for  my  eyes  are  aching  dreadfully,  and  I 
have  need  of  a  shade.  I  will  raise  this  standard  when  we 
make  our  entrance  into  Paris,  and  I  believe,  pipe-master,  the 
fair  Parisians  will  rejoice  at  seeing  me  dressed  in  the  latest 
Parisian  fashion.  But  now,  milliner,  cut  off  the  crown,  else 
I  cannot  use  it. " 

"  I  will  do  so  at  once,"  said  Christian,  taking  a  pair  of  scis- 


NIGHT  AND  MORNING  NEAR  PARIS.  487 

sors  from  his  dressing-pouch,  and  transforming  a  lady's  bon- 
net into  an  eye-shade. 

A  few  hours  afterward,  all  was  quiet  on  the  Montmartre, 
and  on  all  the  other  heights  around  Paris.  After  the  battle 
the  armies  needed  sleep,  and  it  was  undisturbed,  for  there 
was  no  longer  an  enemy  to  dispute  their  possession  of  the 
French  capital. 


CHAPTER    LII. 

NIGHT   AND  MORNING   NEAR   PARIS. 

So  the  allied  armies  encamped  and  rested  round  the  bivouac- 
fires,  while,  at  a  house  in  the  suburbs  of  La  Chapelle,  the 
plenipotentiaries  of  the  sovereigns  were  still  negotiating  with 
the  French  marshals  the  terms  on  which  the  city  was  to  be 
surrendered.  But  he  who  now  rode  along  the  road  to  Paris 
at  a  gallop  in  an  open  carriage  knew  no  peace  or  rest.  His 
quivering  features  were  expressive  of  alarm;  ruin  sat  en- 
throned on  his  forehead,  covered  with  perspiration.  By  his 
side  sat  Caulaincourt;  behind  him,  Berthier  and  Flahault. 
The  carriage  thundered  along  at  the  utmost  speed.  "  Caulain- 
court, I  shall  arrive  at  Paris  in  time,"  murmured  the  em- 
peror ;  "  we  are  already  at  Fromenteau ;  in  an  hour  we  shall  be 
there.  The  watch-fires  of  the  enemy  are  seen  on  the  opposite 
bank  of  the  Seine.  Ah,  I  shall  extinguish  them;  to-morrow 
night  the  enemy  will  not  be  so  near. — But  what  is  that?  Do 
you  hear  nothing?  Have  the  carriage  stopped!" 

Berthier  shouted  to  the  driver — the  carriage  stopped.  They 
all  heard  a  sort  of  hollow  noise. 

"  It  is  a  squad  of  cavalry  riding  along  this  road,"  whispered 
Caulaincourt. 

"It  is  artillery,"  murmured  Napoleon.  "Forward!  They 
can  only  be  our  own  men.  But  why  are  they  retreating  from 
Paris?  Forward!" 

The  carriage  rolled  on.  And  from  the  other  side  of  the 
road  a  dark  mass,  with  a  rumbling  noise,  moved  toward  them. 
Napoleon  was  not  mistaken,  nor  was  Caulaincourt  mistaken. 

"Who  is  there?"  shouted  the  emperor  to  the  horsemen  at. 
the  head  of  the  column.  "  Halt!" 

"It  is  the  emperor!"  cried  a  voice,  in  amazement,  and  a 
horseman  dismounting  in  a  moment  approached,  the  carriage. 


488  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"It  is  General  Belliard,"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  and 
alighted  hastily  from  his  carriage.  "  General,  whither  are 
you  moving?  What  about  Paris?" 

"  Sire,  all  is  lost!"  said  Belliard,  after  a  mournful  pause. 

"  How  so?"  cried  Napoleon,  vehemently.  "You  see  I  am 
coming!  I  shall  be  in  Paris  in  an  hour.  I  will  call  out  the 
National  Guard,  and  put  myself  at  the  head  of  the  troops." 

"  Sire,  we  are  too  weak;  the  enemy  is  five  times  stronger." 

"  But  I  am  there,  and  my  name  will  increase  the  strength 
of  my  army  fivefold." 

"  Sire,  it  is  too  late." 

"Too  late!     What  do  you  mean?" 

"  Marmont  and  Mortier  have  capitulated ;  we  are  taking 
advantage  of  the  night  to  evacuate  Paris,  while  the  marshals 
are  still  negotiating  the  terms  of  capitulation." 

A  single  cry  of  anger  burst  from  Napoleon's  lips;  then,  as 
if  crushed  by  the  blow,  his  head  dropped  on  his  breast.  Ke- 
covering  himself  in  a  moment,  he  said,  imperiously :  "  Gen- 
eral Belliard !  return  with  your  troops ;  I  shall  be  there  before 
you  reach  the  city.  Resuming  hostilities,  I  will  call  upon  all 
Paris  to  take  up  arms;  the  people  love  me,  they  will  remain 
faithful;  the  majority  of  the  working-men  are  composed  of 
old  soldiers.  They  know  how  to  fight,  and  I  will  lead  them. 
We  shall  fight  as  the  Spaniards  fought  against  us  at  Saragossa, 
defending  with  our  blood  the  streets  of  our  capital ;  detaining 
the  enemy  at  least  for  a  day,  my  army  will  arrive,  and  we  shall 
be  strong  enough  to  give  battle.  I  must  go  to  Paris;  when 
I  am  not  there,  they  do  nothing  but  blunder!  My  brother 
Joseph  is  a  pusillanimous  and  easily-disheartened  man,  and 
Minister  Clarke  is  a  blockhead.  Marmont  and  Mortier  are 
traitors  deserving  death,  for  they  violated  my  express  instruc- 
tions. I  asked  them  to  hold  out  only  two  days,  and  the  traitors 
capitulated  before  they  had  elapsed"!  Oh,  I  shall  hold  them 
responsible  for  it:  I  know  how  to  punish  traitors  and  pol- 
troons!" He  hurried  on  in  a  rapid  step,  General  Belliard 
walking  by  his  side,  and  Caulaincourt,  Berthier,  and  Fla- 
hault  following  him.  "I  must  go  to  Paris,"  cried  the  em- 
peror, after  a  momentary  pause.  "  Order  my  carriage!" 

"Sire,"  said  Belliard,  solemnly,  "it  is  no  longer  possible 
for  your  majesty  to  reach  Paris.  You  would  run  the  risk  of 
falling  into  the  hands  of  the  vanguard  of  the  allies.  If  your 
majesty  were  at  Paris,  it  would  be  of  no  avail.  The  enemy 
is  in  possession  of  all  the  heights,  and  they  can  bombard  the 


NIGHT  AND  MORNING  NEAR  PARIS.  48'J 

city  without  being  interfered  with  by  the  exhausted  troops  of 
Mortier  and  Marmont.  Sire,  all  is  lost ;  there  is  no  prospect 
which  would  justify  us  to  hope  for  a  favorable  change." 

"  To  Paris!"  cried  the  emperor.  "  You  say  I  can  no  longer 
enter  the  cny.  Well,  then,  I  shall  put  myself  at  the  head  of 
the  troops  of  Marshals  Mortier  and  Marmont,  and,  while  the 
allies  are  making  their  entrance  into  the  city,  resume  the 
struggle." 

"Sire,"  said  Belliard,  mournfully,  "it  is  too  late,  the  mar- 
shals have  agreed  to  surrender  Paris;  it  was  only  on  this  con- 
dition that  our  troops  were  allowed  to  move  out.  The  capitu- 
lation cannot  be  broken." 

"  What  do  I  care  for  the  capitulation  of  traitorous  mar- 
shals?" said  the  emperor,  stamping;  "my  will  alone  reigns 
here,  and  my  will  is,  that  the  troops  face  about  and  follow 
me. — Say,  Hulin,"  said  the  emperor,  turning  toward  the  com- 
mander of  Paris,  who  had  just  approached  him,  "  are  you  not 
of  my  opinion?  The  troops  should  return  to  Paris?" 

"No,  sire,"  said  General  Hulin,  sighing,  "the  capitulation 
has  already  been  concluded,  and  it  does  not  permit  the  soldiers 
to  return  on  any  pretext." 

"  Are  you  of  the  same  opinion?"  asked  Napoleon,  turning 
toward  General  Curial,  who  had  just  come  up  with  a  corps  of 
infantry,  and  saluted  the  emperor. 

"  I  am,  sire,"  said  Curial.  "  The  capitulation  has  been  con- 
cluded, and  we  are  happy  to  have  received  permission  for  our 
troops,  who  are  exhausted,  to  evacuate  the  city.  We  are  al- 
ready on  the  march  in  the  direction  of  Fontainebleau.  We 
have  no  hope  of  conquering,  and  we  could  only  be  involved  in 
a  last  dreadful  but  useless  carnage.  Your  majesty  cannot 
desire  that.  Have  pity  on  poor  France,  bleeding  from  a 
thousand  wounds;  yon  do  not  wish  the  enemy  to  bombard  the 
heart  of  our  country. " 

"  And  you?"  asked  Napoleon,  turning  his  eyes,  with  an  ex- 
pression of  agony,  toward  his  attendants.  "  Caulaincourt, 
do  you,  too,  share  the  views  of  these  gentlemen?" 

"  Yes,  sire,"  said  Caulaincourt,  with  tears  in  his  eyes.  "  It  is 
too  late  to  conquer ;  it  only  remains  for  us  to  save  what  we  can. " 

"  And  you,  Berthier  and  Flahault?" 

"Sire,  that  is  our  opinion!    It  is  too  late;  all  is  lost!" 

Napoleon's  sigh  sounded  like  a  death-rattle.  "  Well,  then," 
he  said,  in  a  faint,  hollow  voice,  "  I  will  return  to  Fontaine- 
bleau." 

32 


490  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Napoleon  reentered  his  carriage.  When  his  three  attend- 
ants had  taken  seats,  he  rose  and  called  out  in  a  commanding 
voice,  "General  Belliard!"  The  general  approached  the  car- 
riage hesitatingly;  he  was  still  afraid  lest  the  emperor  should 
change  his  mind. 

"Belliard,"  said  Napoleon,  "dispatch  immediately  an  or- 
derly to  Marshals  Marmont  and  Mortier,  and  communicate  to 
them  that  they  march  their  troops  to  Essonne,  ten  leagues 
south  of  Paris ;  there  they  are  to  take  a  position,  and  await 
further  orders. — To  Fontainehleau!" 

The  carriage  passed  again  along  the  road  by  which  it  had 
arrived,  bearing  away  a  wearied  and  despairing  man,  who  a 
moment  before  was  full  of  hope  and  energy.  The  clock  of 
the  village  of  Jurissy  struck  twelve,  when  he  halted  in  front 
of  the  "  Cour  de  France,"  and  had  the  horses  changed. 
"  Caulaincourt,"  he  said,  hurriedly,  "alight,  take  post-horses, 
and  hasten  to  Paris!  Penetrate  to  the  headquarters  of  the 
Emperor  Alexander !  Prevent  the  capitulation — do  so  in  my 
name ;  you  have  full  powers !  Negotiate,  consent  to  any  treaty 
that  recognizes  me  as  sovereign  of  France!"  * 

It  was  past  midnight,  and  with  a  new  day  began  a  new  era. 
The  rising  sun  shone  upon  the  brilliant  array  of  the  allies. 
The  terms  of  the  capitulation  had  been  adjusted  at  two  in  the 
morning.  It  was  stipulated  that  the  marshals  should  evacu- 
ate Paris  at  seven  on  the  same  day;  that  the  public  arsenals 
and  magazines  be  surrendered  in  the  same  state  in  which  they 
were  when  the  capitulation  was  concluded;  that  the  National 
Guard,  according  to  the  pleasure  of  the  allies,  be  either  dis- 
banded, or  employed  under  their  direction  in  the  service  of 
the  city ;  that  the  wounded  and  stragglers,  found  after  ten  in 
the  morning,  be  considered  prisoners  of  war;  and  that  Paris 
be  recommended  to  the  generosity  of  the  sovereigns,  f 

It  was  now  eight  in  the  morning,  and  the  corps  of  the  allied 
troops  that  were  to  make  their  entrance  into  the  city  were  in 
readiness.  A  staff,  composed  of  hundreds  of  Austrian,  Rus- 
sian, Prussian,  Wurtemberg,  Bavarian,  and  Swedish  generals, 
awaited  the  arrival  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia  and  the  King  of 
Prussia,  when  the  triumphal  march  into  Paris  would  take 
place. 

Overcoming  his  pain,  and  keeping  erect  by  a  violent  effort, 
Field-Marshal  Blucher  had  himself  dressed  by  his  servants. 

*Beitzke,  vol.  iii.,  p.  496. 

t"M6molres  du  Due  de  Rovigo,1'  vol.  ij|. 


NIGHT  AND  MORNING  NEAR  PARIS.  491 

The  toilet  was  finished,  and,  attired  in  his  uniform,  covered 
with  glittering  orders,  he  stepped  from  his  bedroom,  and  sent 
for  Christian.  "Pipe-master,"  he  said,  "I  am  ready  now, 
and  believe  I  look  quite  imposing;  but  you  must  adjust  the 
last  ornament  of  my  toilet.  You  captured  it,  and  ought  to 
add  it  to  my  uniform." 

"  AVhat  ornament,  your  excellency?" 

"Well,  the  eye-shade,  Christian.  Come  and  adorn  me!" 
He  handed  the  crownless  bonnet  to  Christian,  and  sat  down 
on  a  chair.  The  article  was  carefully  placed  on  the  head  of 
the  field-marshal,  so  that  his  bald  scalp  protruded  from  the 
aperture  of  the  shade  like  a  full  moon  surrounded  by  a  green 
halo.  He  then  carefully  put  on  it  the  field-marshal's  hat, 
with  its  waving  plumes  and  gold-lace.* 

"  Now  I  am  ready,"  said  Blucher,  rising. 

At  this  moment  the  door  opened,  and  General  Gneisenau, 
accompanied  by  Surgeon-General  Voelzke,  entered  the  room. 

"What!"  exclaimed  Gneisenau,  in  amazement.  "An  hour 
ago  I  found  you  in  bed,  a  prey  to  a  raging  fever,  complaining 
of  your  eyes;  and  now  you  have  not  only  risen,  but  are  in  full 
feather,  and  ready  for  the  march  into  the  city!" 

"Why,  yes,  of  course,  I  am,"  said  Blucher,  sullenly.  "I 
must  make  my  entry,  I  must  keep  my  word,  and  get  into 
Paris  after  aiding  in  getting  Mm  out  of  it." 

"  That  is  to  say,"  cried  Dr.  Voelzke,  "you  intend  to  break 
your  pledge,  and  prove  faithless  to  your  oath?" 

"What  oath?"  asked  Blucher,  greatly  surprised. 

"  Did  you  not  solemnly  pledge  me  your  word  four  days  ago, 
your  excellency,  to  submit  to  my  treatment  for  two  weeks,  and 
adhere  to  my  instructions?" 

"  Yes,  and  I  think  I  have  kept  my  word.  I  have  swallowed 
your  medicines,  pills,  and  powders,  rubbed  in  your  salves, 
and  applied  your  plasters,  in  accordance  with  your  directions, 
although  I  must  say  that  all  this  did  not  help  me  any." 

"  But  your  eyes  have  not  grown  any  worse,  and  they  will 
soon  improve,  if  you  continue  my  treatment." 

"  Well,  what  do  you  want  me  to  do,  then?" 

"  You  must  stay  here.  You  must  not  be  six  or  eight  hours 
on  horseback ;  you  must  not  expose  yourself  so  long  to  the 
dust  and  sun." 

"  What !  I  am  not  to  participate  in  the  entrance  of  the 
monarchs  into  Paris?"  cried  Blucher,  indignantly. 

*  Varnhagen,  "  Life  of  Blucher,"  p.  382. 


492  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

"I  implore  your  excellency  not  to  do  so,"  said  the  phy- 
sician, in  an  impressive  tone.  "  Give  yourself  a  few  days'  rest 
and  recreation,  and  yonr  eyes  will  get  well;  but  if  you  ex- 
pose yourself  to-day  I  shall  never  again  cross  your  threshold, 
for  I  do  not  care  to  be  disgraced  by  the  report  that  Field- 
Marshal  Blucher  lost  his  eyesight  while  under  my  care ;  and  I 
tell  you,  you  will  be  blind,  and  then  I  can  do  nothing  for  you." 

"Stay  here,  your  excellency,"  begged  Gneisenau;  "do  not 
trifle  with  your  dear  eyes,  destined  to  see  still  many  beautiful 
things,  and  gladden  the  world  by  their  heroic  glances !  What 
can  a  triumph  of  a  few  hours'  duration  be  to  you  to  whom 
every  day  will  be  a  triumph,  and  whom  delivered  Germany 
awaits  to  greet  with  manifestations  of  love  and  gratitude?" 

"  Ah,  it  is  not  for  the  sake  of  the  triumph  that  I  wish  to 
go,"  cried  Blucher,  morosely.  "  But  I  have  sworn,  for  seven 
years,  and  it  has  been  my  only  consolation,  that,  in  spite  of 
Bonaparte,  I  would  make  my  triumphal  entrance  into  Paris, 
as  Bonaparte  did  into  Berlin,  and  now  you  insist  on  my  not 
fulfilling  my  oath !" 

"  You  will  nevertheless  make  your  entrance  into  Paris,"  ex- 
claimed Gneisenau ;  "  though  your  person  be  absent,  your 
name  will  float  as  our  banner  of  victory  over  the  monarchs, 
and  all  know  full  well  that  Blucher  is  the  conqueror." 

"Stay!"  begged  Voelzke;  "think  of  the  pain  which  you 
have  already  suffered,  and  of  that  you  will  suffer,  and  of 
which  I  give  you  sufficient  warning." 

"Yes,  field-marshal,"  begged  Hennemann,  with  tearful 
eyes,  "  pray  do  what  the  doctor  says ;  do  not  hazard  your  sight ; 
for,  let  me  say,  field-marshal,  a  blind  man  is  like  a  pipe  that 
will  not  draw;  both  of  them  will  go  out." 

"Well,  I  do  not  care,"  cried  Blucher,  "  I  will  stay.  It  will 
not  hurt  me.  My  task  is  performed,  and  it  makes  no  differ- 
ence to  me  how  I  enter  Paris.  I  have  my  share  of  the  victory, 
and  no  one  can  take  it  from  me.  He  has  been  cast  down,  and 
none  will  deny  that  I  assisted." 

"Well,  I  think  I  have  also  assisted  a  little  in  it,"  said 
Christian,  solemnly;  "for  had  I  not  always  kept  the  pipes  in 
so  good  a  state,  the  field-marshal  would  not  have  had  such 
successful  ideas,  nor  could  he  have  so  well  said,  'Forward!' ' 

"You  are  right,  pipe-master,"  said  Blucher,  pleasantly. 
"  The  pipe — but  what  is  that?  Was  not  that  a  gun,  and  there 
another?  Have  the  negotiations  miscarried,  after  all,  and 
the  bombardment  commenced  in  earnest?" 


NAPOLEON  AT  FONTAINEBLEAU.  493 

"No,  your  excellency,"  said  Gneisenau,  smiling,  "you  must 
give  up  that  hope !  These  are  the  guns  which  give  the  troops 
the  signal  that  the  monarchs  have  arrived,  and  that  the  march 
into  the  city  is  to  commence." 

"Well,  good-by,  then;  make  haste  and  leave!"  cried 
Blucher,  pushing  Gneisenau  and  Voelzke  toward  the  door. 

They  left,  and  the  field-marshal  was  again  alone  with 
Christian  Hennemann. 

"Well,"  he  said,  "give  me  a  pipe;  while  the  others  are 
making  their  entrance  into  Paris,  I  want  you  to  afford  me  a 
little  pleasure,  too.  Come  here,  therefore,  and  sing  to. me 
the  Low-German  song  which  you  sang  to  me  on  the  day  when 
you  arrived  at  Kunzendorf." 

The  reports  of  the  artillery  continued ;  the  monarchs  were 
entering  Paris.  The  field-marshal  in  the  mean  time  sat  with 
the  green  bonnet  on  his  head,  puffing  his  pipe.  No  one  was 
with  him  but  Christian  Hennemann,  who  sang  in  a  loud  voice, 
"  Spinn  doch,  spinn  doch,  mihn  lutt  lewes  Dcchting  !  " 


CHAPTER    LIII. 

NAPOLEON   AT  FONTAINEBLEAU. 

NAPOLEON  passed  seven  days  of  indescribable  mental  an- 
guish at  Fontainebleau.  Adversity  had  befallen  him,  but  he 
bore  it  with  the  semblance  of  calmness,  uttering  no  complaint. 
His  was  still  the  cold,  inscrutable  face  of  the  emperor,  such  as 
it  had  been  on  his  triumphal  entrance  into  Berlin  and  Madrid, 
after  the  victories  of  Austerlitz  and  Jena,  in  the  days  of 
Erfurt  and  Tilsit,  at  the  conflagration  of  Moscow,  at  the  Ber- 
esina,  and  at  Leipsic.  He  gave  no  expression  to  his  soul's 
agony.  It  was  only  in  the  dead  of  night  that  his  faithful  ser- 
vants heard  him  sometimes  sigh,  pacing  his  room,  restless  and 
melancholy.  He  did  not  yet  feel  wholly  discouraged ;  he  still 
hoped.  His  bravest  marshals  were  still  with  him;  his  Old 
Guard  had  not  yet  gone,  and  at  Paris  there  were  many  devoted 
friends,  because  they  owed  to  him  honor  and  riches. 

He  was  hopeful  that  Marmont's  troops  would  arrive  at  Fon- 
tainebleau, when,  concentrating  all  his  corps,  lie  would 
march  with  them  and  reconquer  his  capital.  Engrossed  with 
this  idea,  he  was  alone  in  his  cabinet;  bent  over  his  maps,  he 
examined  the  various  positions  of  his  troops,  and  considered 


494  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

when  they  might  all  reach  him.  But  while  he  was  thinking 
of  war,  his  marshals  were  thinking  of  peace.  They  had  with- 
drawn into  one  of  the  remote  apartments  of  Fontainebleau  for 
the  purpose  of  holding  a  secret  consultation.  There  were  his 
old  comrades  Key,  Prince  de  la  Moskwa;  Macdonald,  Duke 
de  Tarento ;  Lefebvre,  Duke  de  Dantzic ;  Oudinot,  Duke  de 
Reggio — all  of  them  owing  their  glory  to  Napoleon:  it  was, 
therefore,  pardonable  if  he  confided  in  their  gratitude — but 
gratitude  to  the  fallen,  who  had  nothing  more  to  give,  and 
whose  misfortunes  resembled  an  infectious  disease,  repelling 
even  his  dearest  friends. 

"He  is  lost,"  said  Oudinot,  in  an  undertone;  "he  is  on 
the  edge  of  the  precipice,  and  those  who  abide  by  him  will 
fall  with  him." 

"We  must,  therefore,  leave  him,"  whispered  Lefebvre. 
"  We  are  unable  to  keep  him  back ;  prudence  commands  us  to 
keep  aloof." 

"We  have  suffered  and  bled  for  him  for  years,"  said  Mac- 
donald ;  "  it  is  time  now  for  him  to  suffer  and  bleed  for  us. 
His  death  would  be  a  relief. " 

"Yes,"  murmured  Ney,  "his  death  would  give  us  a  new 
life.  But  he  will  not  die ;  his  heart  is  made  of  bronze,  and 
will  not  break." 

"No,  he  will  not  die  voluntarily,"  said  Oudinot. 

The  marshals  paused  and  looked  at  each  other  with  dark  and 
significant  glances.  All  seemed  to  read  each  other's  souls,  and 
to  divine  the  sinister  thoughts  that  began  to  find  utterance. 

"No,  he  will  not  die  voluntarily,"  repeated  Macdonald. 
"  But  the  millions  of  soldiers  that  have  fallen  on  the  battle- 
fields have  not  died  voluntarily,  either :  Napoleon  drove  them 
into  the  jaws  of  death.  Now  he  is  no  longer  any  thing  but  a 
mere  soldier ;  could  we  be  blamed,  if,  in  order  to  save  France, 
we  should  drive  him  into  the  grave?" 

"But  how  could  we  do  it?"  asked  Lefebvre.  "He  has 
with  him  Caulaincourt,  Berthier,  and  Maret,  who  would  cer- 
tainly be  capable  of  showing,  like  Anthony,  the  blood-stained 
cloak  of  Caesar  to  the  people,  and  of  bringing  upon  us  a  destiny 
such  as  befell  Brutus  and  Cassius.  I  am  not  desirous  of  see- 
ing my  house  set  on  fire,  and  of  being  compelled  to  flee." 

"We  ought  not  to  imitate  Caesar's  generals,"  said  Ney, 
gloomily.  "  He  has  lived  like  a  demi-god,  and  must  die  like 
a  demi-god.  Not  a  vestige  of  him  must  remain ;  he  must, 
like  Romulus,  ascend  to  the  gods." 


NAPOLEON  AT  FONTAINEBLEAU.  495 

"  Let  us  consider  what  ought  to  be  done,"  said  Macdonald. 

They  whispered  in  low  tones,  so  that  they  themselves 
scarcely  heard  each  other.  After  a  prolonged  secret  consul- 
tation, they  seemed  agreed  as  to  what  should  be  done,  and  as 
if  there  were  now  no  longer  any  doubt  or  objection. 

"  Caulaincourt,  Bertrand,  and  Maret,  are  alone  to  be  feared," 
said  Oudinot,  loudly.  "  If  they  refuse  to  be  silent,  they  must 
be  silenced!  And  Berthier?  what  are  we  to  do  with  Ber- 
thier?" 

"We  shall  tell  him  all  when  it  is  over,"  responded  Mac- 
donald, with  a  shrug.  "  Berthier  is  not  formidable ;  he  has  a 
heart  of  cotton,  and  a  head  of  wind." 

All  laughed ;  Oudinot  then  said,  in  a  grave  and  menacing 
voice :  "  It  is  time  for  us  to  come  to  a  decision.  We  are  al- 
ready in  April,  and  nothing  decided ;  the  Emperor  of  Kussia 
is  impatient,  and  the  future  King  of  France  will  never  forgive 
us  if  we  delay  his  return  to  Paris.  Come,  gentlemen,  let  us 
for  the  last  time  try  the  way  of  kindness  and  persuasion. 
Let  us  openly  and  honestly  advise  Napoleon  to  abdicate ;  he 
must  make  up  his  mind  to  do  so,  or — " 

"Or  we  shall  compel  him,"  said  Macdonald.  "He  has 
often  enough  compelled  us  to  do  what  was  repugnant  to  us. 
Come,  gentlemen,  let  us  go  to  the  emperor."  * 

The  emperor  was  sill  bending  over  his  maps  when  the  four 
marshals  entered  his  cabinet.  With  a  quick  glance  he  read 
in  their  pale,  sullen  faces  that  they  came  to  him,  not  as 
friends  and  servants,  but  as  adversaries.  "I  am  glad,"  he 
said  calmly,  "  that  you  anticipate  my  request,  and  come  to  me 
when  I  intended  to  send  for  you.  We  must  hold  a  council  of 
war,  marshals.  I  have  determined  to  make  a  general  assault 
upon  the  allies  to-morrow,  and  I  wished  to  assemble  you  here 
to  lay  the  details  of  my  plan  before  you.  One  of  you  may  go 
and  call  Berthier,  who  should  participate  in  our  delibera- 
tions." 

"Sire,"  said  Ney,  in  a  harsh  tone,  "before  entering  into 
deliberations  on  the  war,  we  should  first  consider  whether  it 
is  still  desirable."  Napoleon  cast  on  him  a  glance  which  once 
would  have  frozen  the  marshal's  blood,  but  which  now  made 
no  impression  on  him.  "  I  believe,"  added  Ney,  "  that  France 
can  no  longer  bear  the  burden  of  war.  She  is  exhausted, 
bleeding  from  many  wounds,  and  would  sink  to  certain  ruin 
if  she  continue  a  useless  struggle.  Her  finances  cannot  be 

*  "Memoirs  of  the  Duchess  d'Abrantes." 


496  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

restored,  for  the  people  are  destitute.  Our  fields  are  un- 
cultivated, our  industry  is  paralyzed;  our  workshops  and 
stores  are  closed,  our  commerce  is  prostrated,  for  France  is 
destitute  of  money,  credit,  and  laborers.  What  means  has 
your  majesty  to  shield  her  from  the  most  terrible  misfortunes?" 

"  I  have  but  one — to  attack  the  allies  to-morrow,  expelling 
those  who  have  caused  all  the  misfortunes  of  France." 

"  Sire,  our  country  is  tired  of  war,"  cried  Ney ;  "  she  wants 
peace." 

"Is  that  your  opinion,  marshals?"  asked  the  emperor, 
hastily. 

"Yes,  sire,  it  is." 

"Well,  then,"  said  Napoleon,  after  a  moment's  reflection, 
"  do  you  know  of  any  way  of  restoring  peace?" 

The  marshals  were  silent.  Their  lips  seemed  to  shrink  from 
uttering  the  thoughts  of  their  souls ;  but  the  Prince  de  la 
Moskwa,  Marshal  Ney,  overcame  his  timidity.  "Sire,"  he 
remarked,  "  the  allies  say  in  their  proclamation  that  it  is  not 
France  against  which  they  wage  war. " 

"Not  France,  but  myself!"  cried  Napoleon.  "Ah,  you 
come  to  propose  an  abdication  to  me?" 

"  We  come  to  implore  your  majesty  to  make  a  last  great 
sacrifice." 

"Sire,"  exclaimed  Oudinot,  "let  your  heroic  soul  conquer 
itself,  and  restore  peace  to  France." 

"  She  will  forever  bless  you,"  said  Lefebvre, 

"  Kestore  to  France  the  peace  for  which  she  has  been  vainly 
longing  for  twenty-five  years!"  cried  Macdonald. 

Now  that  they  had  all  spoken,  there  was  an  anxious, 
breathless  pause.  Suddenly  Napoleon  passed  over  to  his  desk. 
He  cast  a  last  glance,  full  of  pride,  contempt,  and  anger,  on 
his  four  marshals;  then,  seating  himself,  he  took  up  a  pen 
with  a  firm  hand,  and  wrote.  The  marshals  stood  in  silence, 
and  looked  at  him  in  an  embarrassed  manner.  Laying  aside 
the  pen,  and  rising,  he  held  up  the  paper  on  which  he  had 
written,  and  motioned  to  Marshal  Ney.  "  Here,  Prince  de 
la  Moskwa,"  said  Napoleon,  "read  to  the  marshals  what  I 
have  written." 

Ney  read  in  a  tremulous  voice:  "  'The allied  powers,  having 
proclaimed  that  the  Emperor  Napoleon  is  the  sole  obstacle  to 
the  reestablishment  of  peace  in  Europe,  the  Emperor  Napo- 
leon, faithful  to  his  oath,  declares  that  he  is  ready  to  descend 
from  the  throne,  to  quit  France,  and  even  life  itself,  for  the 


NAPOLEON  AT  FONTAINEBLEAU.  497 

good  of  the  country,  inseparable  from  the  rights  of  his  son, 
of  the  regency  of  the  empress,  and  of  the  maintenance  of  the 
laws  of  the  empire. '  "  * 

"You  have  willed  it  so,"  said  Napoleon,  when  Ney  had 
finished.  "  Macdonald  and  Ney,  with  Caulaincourt,  will  im- 
mediately repair  with  this  document  to  Paris.  On  the  way 
they  will  meet  Mortier,  and  request  him  to  accompany  them. 
The  four  dukes  will  present  my  conditional  abdication  to  the 
Emperor  Alexander,  and  treat  with  him  in  regard  to  the 
future  of  my  son  and  the  regency  of  my  consort." 

On  the  7th  of  April  the  Duke  de  Vicenza  entered  the  em- 
peror's cabinet,  pale  and  with  a  mournful  air. 

"Caulaincourt,"  cried  Napoleon,  "you  have  delivered  my 
abdication  to  Alexander?" 

"Yes,  sire,"  said  Caulaincourt,  sadly.  "Ah,  sire,  I  bring 
bad  news,  which  my  lips  almost  refuse  to  utter!" 

"  Speak,  I  am  courageous  enough  to  hear  all ;  be,  then, 
courageous  enough  to  tell  me  all.  I  wish  no  concealment 
whatever — I  desire  to  know  the  whole  truth." 

"  Well,  sire,  all  is  lost.  The  Emperor  Alexander  has  issued 
to-day  a  manifesto,  which  has  been  placarded  over  every  part 
of  Paris,  to  the  effect  that  'he  would  no  longer  treat  with 
Bonaparte,  nor  with  any  member  of  his  family. ' ' 

"Ah,  the  perfidious  wretch!"  murmured  Napoleon,  "he 
plighted  me  once  eternal  friendship  and  fidelity. — Proceed, 
Caulaincourt!  What  says  the  so-called  provisional  govern- 
ment presided  over  by  M.  Talleyrand,  the  renegade  priest, 
whom  I  made  a  man  of  distinction,  whom  I  raised  to  the  dig- 
nity of  a  prince,  on  whom  I  lavished  honors,  and  who  has  now 
become  the  leader  of  the  royalists?  What  say  M.  Talleyrand, 
and  the  provisional  government,  and  the  senate,  who  swore 
allegiance  to  me?" 

"  Sire,  the  senate  solemnly  declared  yesterday,  the  6th  of 
April,  that  the  Emperor  Napoleon  has  forfeited  his  throne, 
because,  by  abusing  the  powers  conferred  on  him,  by  despot- 
ism, by  trampling  under  foot  the  liberty  of  the  press,  by 
undertaking  wars  in  violation  of  right,  and  by  his  openly 
manifested  contempt  of  man  and  human  law,  he  has  rendered 
himself  unworthy  of  the  sovereignty  of  the  nation.  The  sen- 
ate, besides,  have  called  back  the  Bourbons  to  the  throne  of 
France.  In  consequence  of  this  declaration,  the  provisional 
government  has  proclaimed  to-day  that,  till  the  arrival  of  King 

*Fain,  "Manuscrit  de  1814,"  p.  831. 


498  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

Louis  XVIII.,  the  administration  is  exclusively  in  their 
hands." 

"Ah,  the  traitors!"  cried  Napoleon.  "They  have  dared 
to  proclaim  such  sentiments!  to  carry  their  impudence  so 
far !  See  what  venal  creatures  those  men  are !  As  long  as 
fortune  was  faithful  to  me,  they,  who  now  call  themselves  the 
provisional  government  and  senate,  in  the  name  of  France, 
were  my  most  sycophantic  servants.  A  sign  from  me  was  an 
order  for  the  senate,  who  always  did  more  than  was  desired  of 
them,  and  not  a  whisper  was  heard  against  the  abuses  of  power. 
Ah,  they  charge  me  with  despising  them — tell  me,  Caulain- 
court,  will  not  the  world  see  now  whether  or  not  I  had  reasons 
for  my  opinion?"  * 

"  Sire,  it  is  true,  your  majesty  has  met  with  many  ingratea 
during  your  career,  and  will  still  meet  with  them, "  said  Caulain- 
court,  sighing.  "  Perfidy  seems  to  have  become  an  epidemic." 

"  Ah,  I  see  you  have  not  yet  told  me  every  thing.  Speak ! 
In  the  first  place,  what  was  the  result  of.  your  negotiations 
with  the  Emperor  Alexander?" 

"  Sire,  if  your  majesty  agrees  to  renounce,  for  yourself  and 
your  heirs,  the  throne  of  France,  the  allied  sovereigns  offer 
Corsica  or  Elba  as  a  sovereign  principality,  and  France  will 
pay  your  majesty  an  annual  pension  of  two  million  francs." 

"  I  am  to  renounce  the  throne,  too,  for  my  son — my  dear 
little  King  of  Rome?"  cried  Napoleon,  mournfully.  "No, 
never!  I  cannot  deprive  my  son  of  his  inheritance.  This 
is  too  much.  I  will  put  myself  at  the  head  of  my  army  and 
run  the  risk  of  any  calamities,  rather  than  submit  to  a  humil- 
iation worse  than  them  all!" 

"  Your  majesty  has  no  army.  Treason  has  infected  your 
marshals." 

"What  do  you  mean?  Ah,  it  is  true,  you  come  alone! 
Where  are  the  marshals?  Where  is  Ney?  Where  is  Mac- 
donald?" 

"Sire,  they  have  remained  in  Paris." 

"Ah,  I  understand,"  exclaimed  Napoleon,  with  a  scornful 
laugh;  "they  are  waiting  there  for  King  Louis  XVIII.,  in 
order  to  offer  him  their  services.  But  where  is  Marmont? 
You  know  well  that  I  am  greatly  attached  to  Marmont,  and  I 
long  to  see  him.  Why  does  he  not  come?" 

"  Sire,  Marshal  Marmont  has  passed  over  to  the  allies  with 
a  corps  of  ten  thousand  men." 

*  Fain,  "Manuscrit  de  1814,"  p.  225- 


A  SOUL  IN  PURGATORY.  499 

"Marmont!"  cried  Napoleon,  almost  with  a  scream — 
"Marmont  a  traitor!  That  is  false — that  is  impossible! 
Marmont  cannot  have  betrayed  me!" 

"  Sire,  he  did  betray  you.  He  marched  the  troops,  notwith- 
standing their  undisguised  reluctance,  to  Versailles,  in  order 
there  to  join  the  allies,  after  receiving  from  them  the  solemn 
promise  that  the  French  soldiers  should  be  treated  as  friends." 

"  Marmont  has  betrayed  me !"  murmured  Napoleon.  "  Mar- 
mcnt,  whom  I  loved  as  a  son — who  owes  me  all — who — " 
His  voice  faltered;  his  heart  was  rent,  and,  sinking  on  a 
chair,  he  buried  his  quivering  face  in  his  hands. 


CHAPTER    LIV. 

A   SOUL    IN    PURGATORY. 

IT  was  the  llth  of  April.  Napoleon,  at  Fontainebleau,  sat  at 
his  desk  and  stared  at  the  paper  before  him.*  It  contained  an 
absolute  resignation  of  his  throne  for  himself  and  his  family. 
After  signing  this  document,  he  was  no  more  Emperor  of 
France,  nor  his  son  King  of  Rome,  nor  his  consort  empress 
— perhaps,  no  longer  even  his  wife.  By  signing  this  paper, 
he  accepted  all  the  conditions  imposed  on  him  by  the  allies; 
that  is  to  say,  he  descended  from  the  sovereignty  of  all  his 
states  and  went  to  the  little  island  of  Elba,  to  live  there  a  pen- 
sioner of  Europe ;  his  consort  wore  no  longer,  like  him,  the 
imperial  title,  but  became  Duchess  of  Parma;  and  the  King 
of  Rome  became  not  the  heir  of  his  father,  the  Emperor  of 
Elba,  but  the  heir  of  his  mother,  the  Duchess  of  Parma,  and 
the  title  of  "  Duke  de  Reichstadt  "  was  to  be  given  him.  He 
renounced  not  only  France,  but  his  wife  and  his  son ! 

Napoleon  was  fondly  and  sincerely  attached  to  Maria 
Louisa,  and  he  loved  the  King  of  Rome  with  passionate  ten- 
derness. Before  consenting,  therefore,  to  affix  his  signature 
to  this  act  of  abdication,  he  wished  to  know  whether  Maria 
Louisa  agreed  to  it,  and  whether  she  would  not  at  least  ask 
the  allies,  one  of  whom  was  her  own  father,  to  permit  her  to 
reside  with  her  son  and  her  husband  on  the  island  of  Elba, 
sharing  the  emperor's  exile.  For  some  time  he  had  not  heard 
from  his  consort;  he  wrote  to  her  every  day,  but  for  six  days 
past  no  answers  came.  He  did  not,  however,  distrust  her ;  he 
knew  that  Maria  Louisa  loved  him.  His  heart  longed  for 


500  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

her  and  his  child.  He  had  sent  Berthier  to  Orleans  the  day 
before  with  a  letter  for  Maria  Louisa.  He  was  to  tell  him 
what  his  consort  was  thinking  and  wishing.  If  she  was 
courageous  enough  to  claim  her  rights,  and  desired  to  do  so, 
Berthier  was  to  convey  her  to  the  emperor,  and,  at  Fontaine- 
bleau,  Maria  Louisa  was  to  declare  to  her  father  that  she 
insisted  on  her  sacred  right  of  staying  with  her  husband. 
Napoleon  expected  this,  and  he  was  nervous  and  anxious, 
waiting  for  the  return  of  his  general,  and  in  hope  that  Maria 
Louisa  would  accompany  him. 

He  contemplated  the  paper,  and,  while  reading  the  words 
of  despair,  he  thought  of  the  past — of  the  days  when  Europe 
had  been  at  his  feet,  and  when  he  himself  showed  no  mercy. 
The  door  of  the  cabinet  was  softly  opened,  and  the  Duke  de 
Bassano  entered.  "Maret,"  he  exclaimed,  "you  come  to  in- 
form me  that  Berthier  has  returned,  do  you  not?" 

"Yes,  sire." 

"And  he — he  is  alone?" 

"Yes,  sire,  he  is  alone." 

Napoleon  sighed.  "Admit  Berthier,"  he  said,  "but  stay 
here." 

Maret  stepped  to  the  door  and  opened  it.  The  Prince  of 
Neufchatel  entered,  mournful  and  silent.  A  single  glance 
told  Napoleon  that  his  mission  had  failed. 

"  Well,  Berthier,  you  have  seen  the  empress?" 

"  I  have,  sire.     I  met  the  empress  leaving  Orleans. " 

"Ah,  then,  she  is  coming!"  exclaimed  Napoleon. 

"  No,  sire.  Prince  Metternich  had  paid  her  a  visit  on  the 
preceding  day,  and  delivered  to  her  autograph  letters  from 
her  father  the  Emperor  of  Austria.  He  had  asked  his  daughter 
to  repair  to  Kambouillet,  where  he  would  meet  her." 

"And  Louisa  consented?" 

"  She  did,  sire.  Her  majesty  told  me  with  tears  in  her 
eyes  that  nothing  remained  for  her  but  to  submit  to  the  will 
of  her  father,  because  only  his  intercession  could  secure  her 
own  future  and  that  of  her  son.  She  deplored  that  she  was 
not  at  liberty  to  come  to  Fontainebleau,  but  stated  she  had 
solemnly  pledged  her  word  to  Prince  Metternich,  who,  in  the 
emperor's  name,  had  required  a  pledge  neither  to  see  nor  to 
correspond  with  your  majesty." 

"And  she  did  not  indignantly  reject  this  base  demand?" 
cried  the  emperor.  "  She  did  not  remember  that  she  is  my 
wife,  and  that  she  plighted  her  faith  to  me?" 


A  SOUL  IN  PURGATORY.  501 

"  Sire,  the  empress  said  that,  for  her  son's  sake,  she  was  al< 
lowed  now  only  to  consider  herself  a  princess  of  Austria,  and 
the  Austrian  princesses  were  all  educated  in  unconditional 
and  unmurmuring  obedience  to  the  orders  of  the  emperor 
their  father.*  Hence,  she  obeyed  her  father  now,  in  order 
to  enjoy  at  a  later  time  the  happiness  of  belonging  to  your 
majesty.  For,  as  soon  as  her  future  was  secured,  as  soon  as 
the  duchy  of  Parma  was  settled  upon  her,  and  her  son  de- 
clared its  heir,  nothing  would  prevent  her  from  rejoining 
her  beloved  husband ;  and  if  your  majesty  agreed  to  accept 
the  island  of  Elba,  the  empress  would  certainly  soon  repair 
thither.  She  proposed  that,  prohibited  from  directly  corre- 
sponding with  your  majesty,  you  might  have  intercourse 
through  your  private  secretaries;  your  majesty  might  have 
Baron  Fain  write  to  her  all  you  wished  her  to  know,  and  she 
would  do  the  same  through  Baron  de  Meneval." 

"A  genuine  woman's  stratagem,"  murmured  Napoleon, 
gloomily,  to  himself.  "  She  is  destitute  of  courage,  and  does 
not  love  me  enough  to  brave  her  father. — Berthier,"  he  then 
asked  aloud,  "did  you  see  my  son?" 

"  No,  sire,  they  would  not  let  me  see  the  prince ;  they  feared 
lest  it  would  excite  him  too  much,  and  remind  him  of  the 
past.  For  the  King  of  Rome  is  constantly  longing  for  his 
father." 

"And  his  father  cannot  see  him — cannot  call  him  to  his 
side!  Oh,  Berthier,  this  is  painful,  very  painful!" 

"But  your  majesty  will  soon  be  reunited  with  him,"  said 
Maret,  feelingly.  "  Sign  the  act  of  abdication ;  go  to  Elba, 
sire,  and  no  one  can  prevent  the  empress  from  coming  to  you 
with  her  son.  She  wishes  and  has  a  right  to  do  so." 

"Well,  then,  be  it  so,"  said  the  emperor,  drawing  a  deep 
breath.  "I  will  sign  every  thing.  I  will  abdicate;  I  will 
sign  this  second  treaty,  which  makes  me  Emperor  of  Elba! 
My  wife  and  my  son  must  be  restored  to  me!"  He  quickly 
stepped  to  the  desk,  and  signed  the  two  papers  with  a  steady 
hand. 

"  Well,"  he  said,  flinging  the  pen  into  a  corner  of  the  room, 
"  now  I  am  no  longer  Emperor  of  France,  but  at  the  same 
time  no  longer  a  prisoner  at  Fontainebleau.  At  Elba  I  shall 
be  free,  at  least;  I  shall  be  surrounded  by  the  brave  soldiers 
of  my  Old  Guard ;  I  shall  see  again  my  wife  and  my  son. 
That  is  to  say ,"  he  gloomily  murmured  to  himself,  "if  her 

*  Meneval,  "M6moires,"  etc.,  vol.  Ii.,  p.  80. 


502  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

father  permits  them  to  rejoin  me;  for  without  his  permission 
she  will  not  come.  Louisa  is  a  princess  of  Austria,  and  has, 
therefore,  been  brought  up  in  obedience.  Oh,  how  I  longed 
for  the  consolation  of  her  presence !  She  ought  not  to  have 
left  me  alone  in  these  days!"  His  lips  murmured  softly, 
"Josephine  would  not  have  done  so!  She  would  have  gone 
with  me  into  exile!"  He  sat  a  long  time  absorbed  in  his  re- 
flections, which  whispered  to  him  of  the  past,  and  of  Josephine. 
He  felt  that  they  moved  him  too  deeply,  and,  with  an  im- 
petuous gesture,  he  jumped  up,  and,  proudly  throwing  back 
his  head,  exclaimed:  "Well,  then,  I  have  submitted  to  my 
fate,  and  shall  bear  it  manfully.  We  shall  go  to  Elba,  then! 
You  will  accompany  me,  my  friends,  and  I  shall  not  be  alone? 
Maret  and  Berthier,  you  will  not  leave  me,  I  hope?" 

"Sire,  I  would  follow  your  majesty  to  the  end  of  the 
world!"  said  Maret,  tenderly. 

"  I  know  of  no  more  glorious  destiny  than  to  remain  your 
majesty's  faithful  servant,"  exclaimed  Berthier,  emphatically. 
"  I  thank  you  for  permitting  me  to  go  with  you  to  Elba, 
and  I  joyfully  accept  this  permission;  but  as  I  have  to  make 
some  necessary  preparations,  I  request  two  days'  leave  of  ab- 
sence of  your  majesty." 

While  Berthier  was  speaking,  the  emperor  contemplated 
him  with  painful  astonishment ;  now  he  quickly  came  near 
him,  and,  laying  his  hand  on  his  shoulder,  he  fixed  his  keen 
eyes  on  him,  as  if  he  wished  to  read  his  most  secret  thoughts. 
"  Berthier,"  he  said,  in  a  gentle,  imploring  voice,  "  you  see 
how  much  I  have  need  of  consultation ;  how  necessary  it  is 
for  me  to  hare  true  friends  about  me.  You  will,  therefore, 
return  to-morrow,  will  you  not?" 

"Sire,  certainly,"  faltered  Berthier. 

Napoleon's  eyes  still  rested  on  the  pale,  confused  face  of 
the  prince.  "Berthier,"  he  said,  after  a  pause,  if  you  wish 
to  leave  me,  tell  me  so  frankly  and  sincerely." 

"  I  leave  you !"  exclaimed  Berthier.  "  Your  majesty  knows 
well  that  I  am  devoted  to  you  with  immovable  fidelity — that 
my  heart  can  never  forget  you,  and  that  I  shall  always  be 
your  obedient  servant." 

"  Words,  words!"  said  Napoleon,  shaking  his  head.  "  Well, 
then,  it  is  your  will :  go,  therefore,  to  Paris.  Attend  to  the 
affairs  which  you  have  more  at  heart  than  my  wishes.  Go, 
and — if  you  can,  come  back  soon!" 

Berthier  wished  to  grasp  the  emperor's  hand  and  press  it 


A  SOUL  IN  PURGATORY.  503 

to  his  lips,  but  he  hastily  withdrew  it,  and,  lifting  it  up, 
pointed  with  an  imperious  glance  at  the  door.  Berthier 
bowed,  and,  walking  backward,'  approached  the  door  with 
bent  head,  and  departed.  The  emperor  looked  after  him  long 
and  gloomily;  then  he  slowly  turned  his  head  toward  the 
Duke  de  Bassano.  "Maret,"  he  said,  slowly,  "  Berthier  will 
not  come  back." 

"  What,  sire !"  exclaimed  Maret,  in  dismay.  "  Your  majesty 
believes — " 

"I  know  it, "said  Napoleon,  slowy,  "  Berthier  will  not  come 
back!"  He  threw  himself  into  an  easy-chair,  at  times  heav- 
ing a  sigh,  but  without  uttering  a  single  complaint;  and  thus 
he  sat  all  day.  From  time  to  time  the  few  faithful  men 
who  had  remained  with  him  dared  to  speak,  but  the  emperor, 
starting  from  his  meditations,  only  stared  at  them,  and  then 
slowly  dropped  his  head  again  on  his  breast.  At  dinner-time 
Maret  endeavored  to  induce  him  to  go  to  the  table;  but  he 
only  responded  by  indignantly  shaking  his  head,  and  waving 
him  toward  the  door. 

Evening  had  come,  and  the  emperor  still  sat  alone  in  his 
cabinet,  motionless  and  sad.  He  did  not  hear  the  door  be- 
hind him  softly  open;  he  did  not  see  a  dark,  veiled  female 
form  that  had  slowly  entered,  and  now,  as  if  overwhelmed  by 
grief,  leaned  against  the  wall.  Her  veil  prevented  her,  per- 
haps, from  seeing  Napoleon;  she  threw  it  back,  and  now 
Josephine's  pale,  quivering  face  was  seen.  She  fixed  her  eyes 
on  him  with  an  expression  of  boundless  tenderness,  and  then 
lifted  them  to  heaven  with  an  imploring  air,  softly  raising 
her  arms,  and  her  lips  moving  in  inaudible  prayer. 

The  emperor  did  not  yet  notice  her.  Josephine  stepped 
noiselessly  across  the  carpet,  and  laid  her  hand  gently  on  his 
head.  "Napoleon,"  she  whispered,  "Napoleon!" 

He  uttered  a  cry  and  jumped  up.  "Josephine,"  he  ex- 
claimed, "my  Josephine!  Oh,  now  I  am  no  longer  alone!" 
He  clasped  her  with  impassioned  tenderness  in  his  arms;  he 
kissed  her  quivering  lips,  and  held  her  streaming  face  be- 
tween his  hands,  gazing  at  it  with  the  tender  expression  of  a 
lover.  Encircling  her  with  his  arms,  and  no  longer  able  to 
restrain  his  heart,  he  laid  his  head  on  her  shoulder,  and  wept 
bitterly.  Eecovering,  his  face  resumed  its  inscrutable  ex- 
pression. "Josephine,"  he  said,  "I  have  wrung  many  tears 
from  yon,  but  Fate  has  avenged  you;  I  have  wept,  too;  and 
what  is  worse  than  tears  is  that  which  is  gnawing  at  my  heart. 


504  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

I  thank  you,  Josephine,  for  coming  to  me.  All  have  de- 
serted me!" 

"I  know  it,  Napoleon,"  whispered  Josephine,  smiling  amid 
tears,  "  and  that  is  why  I  am  here.  You  will  not  go  all  alone 
to  Elba;  I  shall  go  with  you.  No,  Bonaparte,  no!  do  not 
shake  your  head ;  do  not  reject  me !  I  have  a  right  to  ac- 
company you ;  for,  whatever  men  may  say,  I  was  your  wife, 
and  am  your  wife,  and  what  God  has  joined  together  no  man 
can  sunder.  My  soul  is  one  with  yours.  I  love  you  to-day 
as  tenderly  as  I  did  on  the  day  when  I  stood  with  you  before 
the  altar  and  plighted  my  fidelity  to  you ;  I  love  you  now  even 
more  intensely,  for  you  are  unfortunate,  and  have  need  of  my 
love.  Bid  me,  therefore,  not  go  any  more.  She  is  not  here, 
and  her  place  by  your  side,  which  she  has  deserted,  belongs  to 
me!" 

"No,"  said  Napoleon,  gravely,  "  let  her  absence  remind  her 
of  her  duty.  I  will  not  give  my  son's  mother  a  pretext  for 
staying  away  from  me ;  she  shall  not  say  that  she  cannot  re- 
join me  because  I  have  yielded  to  another  woman  the  place 
that  belongs  to  her.  No,  Josephine,  she  must  not  be  able  to 
reproach  me.  I  thank  you  for  coming,  but  you  have  come  to 
take  leave  of  me.  I  have  seen  you — your  faithful  love  has 
been  a  balm  to  my  heart.  Now,  farewell !" 

"  Then,  you  bid  me  go  already?"  cried  Josephine,  reproach- 
fully; "oh,  Bonaparte,  let  me  stay  here  at  least  till  your 
departure.  No  one  will  betray  to  her  that  I  am  here." 

"It  would  remain  no  secret,  Josephine,  and  it  would  be 
used  to  excuse  her,  and  to  accuse  me.  Go,  then,  and  take 
with  you  the  consciousness  that  you  have  afforded  me  the  last 
joy  of  my  life." 

"  Oh,  Bonaparte,  you  break  my  heart!"  murmured  Jose- 
phine, leaning  her  head  on  his  shoulder.  "  I  cannot  leave 
you,  I  cannot  bear  to  see  you  go  alone  into  exile." 

"  Fate  has  decreed  it,  and  so  has  the  evil  star  that  arose 
upon  my  path  when  I  left  you,  Josephine !  Let  this  be  my 
farewell.  Now,  go!" 

"No,  Bonaparte,"  she  cried,  passionately;  "tell  me  not  to 
go  if  yon  do  not  wish  me  to  die!  Your  misfortunes  have 
pierced  my  heart.  My  only  hope  of  life  is  by  your  side,  for 
sorrow  at  the  remembrance  of  your  misfortunes  will  kill  me." 

A  strange  smile  played  around  the  emperor's  lips.  "  I  do 
not  pity  those  who  die,"  he  said;  "death  is  a  kind  friend, 
and  pray  God  that  He  may  soon  send  this  friend  to  me !"  He 


A  SOUL  IN  PURGATORY.  505 

kissed  her  forehead  and  conducted  her  gently  to  the  door. 
"Go,  my  Josephine,"  he  said;  "this  is  the  last  sacrifice 
which  I  shall  ask  of  you !" 

"I  go!"  she  sighed.  "Farewell,  Bonaparte,  farewell!" 
She  fixed  on  him  a  look  full  of  love  and  grief.  "  We  shall 
never  meet  again!" 

"Yes,"  he  said,  slowly  and  solemnly,  lifting  his  hand  to- 
ward heaven,  "we  shall  meet  again!" 

"I  shall  await  you  there!"  she  said,  with  an  expression  of 
intense  love  and  sorrow. 

The  door  closed;  Napoleon  was  again  alone;  he  stood  in 
the  middle  of  the  room,  as  if  still  beholding  her  pale,  smiling 
face,  and  hearing  her  sweet  voice.  "  She  will  await  me 
there!"  he  murmured.  "But  why  should  she  await  me? 
Why  should  she  die,  and  I  live?  And  why  must  I  live?"  he 
asked,  in  a  loud,  and  almost  joyful  tone.  "  Why  shall  I  suffer 
these  mean,  cowardly  creatures,  who  formerly  lay  in  the  dust 
before  me,  now  to  enjoy  their  triumph?  Why  must  I  live?" 
He  sank  into  his  chair,  thinking  of  the  disgrace  soon  to  be 
brought  upon  him,  remembering  that  each  of  the  allied  sov- 
ereigns would  send  an  envoy  to  Fontainebleau,  and  that  he 
was  to  be  transported  to  Elba — escorted,  like  a  caged  lion,  by 
Kussian,  Prussian,  and  Austrian  commissioners !  His  heart 
for  a  moment  grew  strong  in  his  anguish.  He  jumped  up, 
rushed  to  his  desk,  pulled  out  the  drawers,  and  opened  a  secret 
compartment.  There  lay  a  small  black  silken  bag.  Taking 
it  out,  he  cut  it  open,  and  drew  a  package  from  it.  "  Ha!"  he 
exclaimed,  joyfully,  "  now  I  have  the  kind  friend  that  will  de- 
liver me !  They  want  to  drag  me  through  the  country  as  a 
prisoner!  But  thou,  blessed  poison,  wilt  release  me!" 

In  the  night  of  the  13th  of  April,  Constant,  Napoleon's 
valet  de  chambre,  was  awakened  by  an  extraordinary  groaning 
proceeding  from  Napoleon's  bedroom,  whither  Constant  hast- 
ened. Yes,  it  was  the  emperor  who  was  suffering.  His  face 
was  deadly  pale ;  his  limbs  were  quivering ;  a  paper  lay  on 
the  floor  in  front  of  him ;  on  the  table  by  his  side  stood  a 
glass,  in  which  were  still  seen  some  drops  of  a  whitish  color. 
Constant  rushed  toward  him.  He  gazed  at  his  servant  with 
fixed  looks,  and  murmured,  "I  suffer  dreadfully!  Fire  is 
consuming  my  bowels;  but  it  does  not  kill  me!" 

Uttering  a  cry,  and  hastening  from  the  room,  Constant 
went  for  the  domestic  surgeon,  Dr.  Ivan,  Maret,  and  Caulain- 
court.  They  appeared  in  the  utmost  consternation,  and  sur- 
33 


606  NAPOLEON  AND  BLUCHER. 

rounded  the  easy-chair  on  which  the  emperor  still  sat.  Dr. 
Ivan  felt  his  forehead,  which  was  covered  with  clammy  per- 
spiration; and  his  pulse  was  feeble  and  sluggish,  but  still 
throbbing.  He  recognized  his  physician,  and  his  livid  lips 
murmured  almost  inaudibly,  "Ivan,  I  have  taken  poison, 
that  which  you  gave  me  one  day  in  Kussia;  but  it  has  lost  its 
efficacy!  It  does  not  kill,  while  it  causes  me  excruciating 
pain." 

Ivan  went  weeping  out  of  the  room  to  prepare  a  remedy. 

Napoleon  turned  his  eyes  with  an  expression  of  agony  toward 
Maret  and  Caulaincourt,  who  were  kneeling  before  him. 
"My  friends,"  he  said,  "I  sought  death!  But  you  see  God 
did  not  will  it!  He  commands  me  to  live  and  suffer." * 

On  the  morning  after  this  night  of  terror,  the  emperor  rose 
from  his  couch,  and  his  face,  which  for  the  last  few  days  had 
been  so  gloomy,  assumed  now  a  serene  expression.  "  Provi- 
dence has  spared  me  for  other  purposes,"  he  murmured  to 
himself.  "  Well,  then,  I  shall  live !  To  the  living  belongs 
the  future!"f 

A  week  afterward,  on  the  20th  of  April,  Napoleon  left  Fon- 
tainebleau  for  Elba.  In  the  court-yard  of  the  palace  the  Old 
Guard  was  drawn  up  in  the  splendor  of  their  arms,  with  their 
eagles  and  banners.  Near  the  ranks  of  the  Soldiers,  in  front 
of  the  main  portal,  stood  Bonaparte's  travelling-carriage,  and 
beside  it  the  foreign  commissioners.  Before  setting  out,  he 
wished  to  take  leave  of  his  faithful  soldiers.  Advancing  into 
the  midst  of  the  Old  Guard,  he  addressed  them  in  a  firm 
voice:  "  Soldiers  of  my  Old  Guard,  I  bid  you  adieu !  During 
twenty  years  I  have  ever  found  you  in  the  path  of  honor.  In 
the  last  days,  as  in  those  of  our  prosperity,  you  have  never 
ceased  to  be  models  of  bravery  and  fidelity.  With  such  men 
as  you  our  cause  could  never  have  been  lost;  but  the  war 
would  never  end;  it  would  have  become  a  civil  war,  and 
France  must  daily  have  been  more  unhappy.  I  have,  there- 
fore, sacrificed  all  our  interests  to  those  of  our  country:  I 
depart ;  but  you  remain  to  serve  France.  Her  happiness  was 
my  only  thought ;  it  will  always  be  the  object  of  my  fervent 
wishes.  Lament  not  my  destiny:  if  I  have  consented  to  sur- 
vive myself,  it  was  because  I  might  contribute  to  your  glory. 
Adieu,  my  children !  I  would  I  could  press  you  all  to  my 
heart;  but  I  will,  at  least,  press  your  eagle!"  At  these  words, 

*0onstant's  "M6moires,"  vol.  vi.,  p.  88.    Fain,  "Manuscrit." 
tBausset's  "M6moir»s,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  244. 


A  SOUL  IN  PURGATORY.  60? 

General  Petit  advanced  with  the  eagle;  Napoleon  received  the 
general  in  his  arms,  and,  kissing  the  standard,  he  added:  "I 
cannot  embrace  you  all,  but  I  do  so  in  the  person  of  your 
general!  Adieu,  once  again,  my  old  companions!" 

The  veteran  soldiers  had  no  reply  but  tears  and  sobs,  and, 
stretching  out  their  hands  toward  Napoleon,  they  implored 
him  to  stay.  But  the  carriage  rolled  rapidly  across  the 
court-yard,  bearing  into  exile,  or  at  best  to  the  sovereignty  of 
an  insignificant  island,  a  man  who,  in  aiming  at  the  empire 
of  the  world,  had  subdued  almost  all  the  kingdoms  of  Europe. 


TUB   KNIt. 


-,.  \  < 


